Chorionic villus sampling

CVS can be done through the cervix (transcervical) or through the belly (transabdominal). Miscarriage rates are slightly higher when the test is done through the cervix. The transcervical procedure is performed by inserting a thin plastic tube through the vagina and cervix to reach the placenta. Your health care…

Your provider will explain the procedure, its risks, and alternative procedures such as amniocentesis . You will be asked to sign a consent form before this procedure. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown. The morning of the procedure, you may be asked to drink fluids and refrain from urinating. Doing so fills…

The ultrasound does not hurt. A clear, water-based gel is applied to your skin to help with the transmission of the sound waves. A hand-held probe called a transducer is then moved over your belly area. In addition, your provider may apply pressure on your abdomen to find the position of your uterus. The gel will feel…

The test is used to identify any genetic disease in your unborn baby. It is very accurate, and it can be done very early in a pregnancy. Genetic problems can occur in any pregnancy. However, the following factors increase the risk: An older mother Past pregnancies with genetic problems Family history of genetic…

A normal result means there are no signs of genetic defects in the developing baby. Even though the test results are very accurate, no test is 100% accurate at testing for genetic problems in a pregnancy.

This test can help detect hundreds of genetic disorders. Abnormal results may be due to many different genetic conditions, including: Down syndrome Hemoglobinopathies Tay-Sachs disease Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. Ask your provider: How the condition or defect may be treated…

The risks of CVS are only slightly higher than those of amniocentesis. Possible complications include: Bleeding Infection Miscarriage (in up to 1 in 100 women) Rh incompatibility in the mother Rupture of membranes which may lead to miscarriage

If your blood is Rh negative, you may receive a medicine called Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM and other brands) to prevent Rh incompatibility. You will receive a follow-up ultrasound 2 to 4 days after the procedure to make sure your pregnancy is proceeding normally.

Cheng EY. Prenatal diagnosis. In: Gleason CA, Juul SE, eds. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 18. Driscoll DA, Simpson JL. Genetic screening and diagnosis. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 8th ed.…