CVS test? Does everyone get it?

My pregnancy book doesn't indicate whether it is a regularly scheduled test and now of course DH wants to get it.

Any info?

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

My Highrisk Dr recommended it for me. he gave me the choice of the CVS or the Amnio.

Obviously, we could have opted to only do the ultrascreen and the AFP. ( lots of people choice tho stick with the screens) It is a very personal decison, I knew I wanted to do 1 diagnostic. ( CVS or Amnio)

After weighing in our options, speaking to a genetic couselor, my obgyn & my high risk dr several times,that is the choice we made.

I am over 35 ( 36 actually) a big worry wort and wanted a heads up sooner than later if there were a problem.

The results are very imformative but I know that there are limitations to all tests.
They check for chromosomal abnormalities including downs.
Also when we received results we were told of the babys sex.

Please fm me if you have anymore ?'s - sorry to ramble


ETS- My dr does the CVS through the abdomen only.


ETS- Last edit I promise- If you are considering the CVS or amnio I recommend that you speak to a genetic counselor- it may help guide you.

Message edited 4/25/2007 10:28:55 AM.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

This is not a routine test. Like an amnio, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) also is an invasive procedure used to detect certain birth defects but is done in the first trimester (10-12 weeks gestation). CVS collects a small sample of chorionic villi (tiny parts of the placenta) cells from the lining of the uterus either by inserting a slender needle through the abdomen into the placenta or by inserting a very thin plastic tube into the vagina, through the cervix and into the placenta.

Unless there is an indication that there is a problem, it is not done.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

I had a really tough time w/this. Here's what I know, but my advice would be to talk to your doctor AND a genetics counselor before making the decision.

Not everyone gets the test or needs the test. It's an option for women over 35 or who have a family history of chromosomal disorders.

Onto the part where I've heard conflicting infomation from 2 different OBs:

one said the risk of miscarriage was 2 in 100 for CVS.

one told me the risk for amnio was now up to 1 in 300, and CVS "was basically the same" (NOT true).

The genetics counselor told me 2 in 100 is the correct risk # to go by, although she did remind me that that is the average, meaning some docs have a lower rate/some higher.

The pros of the test: you find out earlier (at about 12-13 weeks) if there is a chromosomal abnormality. This can prepare you to care for your baby, or can be a piece of information you may use in deciding to terminate.

Cons: the risk of m/c, in my case anyway, was far greater than the risk of me having a child w/one of the chromosomal disorders it tests for.

Also, you can have the nuchal screen and blood test at about week 12 which can give you an indication of an increased risk, and from there decide if you want the CVS. Although some hospitals (LIJ in particular) do not allow much time in between (nuchal screen at 12 weeks, results at about 12.3, CVS has to be done by week 13, and they are booked way in advance).

It's really a very personal decision, just don't feel pressured to do it. If you do a search I posted some questions about CVS recently and got wonderful responses. GL!

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

I am curious about these tests also. My ob-gyn thought I should get one or the other, but talk to a genetic counselor first. She said the CVS is a little riskier than the amnio, but you get the results sooner, so if something is terribly wrong...I don't like to think abou that.

I am over 35, and I have epilepsy which requires medication, so that's why these tests are recommended for me. They are not for everyone, mainly people over 35, people who have a history of certain birth defects in their family, or people who have other conditions that could cause problems.

I don't know what I'll do yet. We have an appt. to speak to a genetic counselor soon, so I'll decide after that.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

I had the amnio. Mostly due to my age.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

I don't know much about this test but I definitely do not think it is routine since I have never heard of anyone having it that was not high risk or did not have a specific reason for getting it - the test was never mentioned to me by my doctor but I do know from what I've read that it is very invasive and carries a risk of miscarriage that many say is even higher than the risk with an amnio.

Also, I wanted to add that I don't know what book you have but I found the books I have to be sort of outdated and not very thourough in explaining the different tests - especially the ultrascreen - I have what to expect, the mayo clinic book and your pregnancy week by week. I think its best to ask your doctor!

Hope this helps

Message edited 4/25/2007 10:53:53 AM.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

CVS does have a higher risk for miscarriage than amnio. The plus is that you find out if there are problems earlier, and while no one says this, I suppose that is recommended in case you want to terminate the pregnancy.
If you wait for the amnio, it's late.

I need to hear more about the CVS, but I'm leaning towards the amnio. I don't think I could terminate actually, unless the baby had some horrible birth defects or would be in great pain.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

I am in my late 30s and I am waiting for the results of the ultrascreen before deciding about any further testing. I was somewhat certain I would have a CVS test but then my doctor's nurse practitioner gave a negative opinion of the CVS test and the risks involved.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

My genetic couselor told me the risk from an amnio was 1 in 1600 and the risk of the CVS was 1 in300.

If you do opt for either of these tests just make sure you go to a dr or place that does these things regulalrly.
The odds are based upon all people who perform them.

They are both evasive and it really is a personal decison.

For me, I am glad that I am done and over my test and all is well. I was PETRIFIED the day of the test. ( once it was over- it's quick, felt a lot better) I am a wreck usually anyway.

Honestly, it was a REALLY HARD DECISION - so I can totally sympathize

ETA- Like I said previously, I knew I wanted one or the other ( CVS/ Amnio)based on my age and not knowing much about my grandfathers( mom's side's history).

Message edited 4/25/2007 11:35:09 AM.

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

I am uder 30, have no history in the family, so I guess I should go to my appointment next week and ask then.

I'll be 11 weeks, so would I be having an ultrascreen? My doc said it was to hear the heartbeat....

I really need a schedule!!!!!!!!

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

i never heard of this test

Re: CVS test? Does everyone get it?

CVS is a diagnostic test not unlike the amnio..it is simply done earlier which is why many people opt to do a CVS rather than the Amnio..Like the amnio it carries a risk of miscarriage.

I already have a child with Down Syndrome so although Im 34 my doctor recommended that I have a diagnostic test as part of my prenatal care.

My DH and I opted instead to go with the Ultrascreen and AFP and take it from there...We are satisfied with the results and unless something comes up at the Level II we will not be having any diagnostic testing...