Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
CVS is a prenatal test that helps you learn if a fetus has certain health problems. The test is most often done after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether CVS is right for you.
Should you have CVS?
If the fetus has a higher than normal chance of birth defects or other problems, you may want to have this test. The following risk factors can increase chances of fetal health problems:
- You are 35 or older.
- There is a history of inherited (genetic) problems in your family.
- Other tests have shown that the fetus may have health problems.
How CVS is done
The test can be done through your belly (transabdominal). It may also be done through your cervix (transcervical). It is common to feel some cramping during and after the CVS test. You can go home right after the test. But you may need to take it easy for a day or so.
Transabdominal CVS
-
The healthcare provider puts a needle through your belly (abdomen) and into the uterus.
-
The provider uses ultrasound to guide the needle into place near the placenta. Ultrasound is sound waves that make an image on a screen.
-
The provider takes a small amount of tissue with a syringe.
Transcervical CVS
- First, the fetus is located with ultrasound.
- The healthcare provider puts a thin tube into your vagina and guides it to your uterus.
- The provider removes a small amount of cells from the tissue that will become the placenta (chorionic villi) by gentle suction.
Risks of CVS
Discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider. They may include:
· Miscarriage
· Spotting or light bleeding
· Leaking of blood from the fetus into your own bloodstream- potential for complications in future pregnancies especially if you have Rh Negative blood (ex. O negative).
|
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice:
· Severe pain or cramping
· Vaginal bleeding
· Fever or chills
· Fluid leaking from your vagina
|
Getting test results
You will learn your CVS results a few days after the test. CVS is a very accurate test, but in a few cases, results may be inconclusive. Most results are normal. Even if yours are not, it does not always mean there is a problem. You and your healthcare provider can talk about other tests or special care you may want.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
CVS is a prenatal test that helps you learn if a fetus has certain health problems. The test is most often done after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether CVS is right for you.
Should you have CVS?
If the fetus has a higher than normal chance of birth defects or other problems, you may want to have this test. The following risk factors can increase chances of fetal health problems:
- You are 35 or older.
- There is a history of inherited (genetic) problems in your family.
- Other tests have shown that the fetus may have health problems.
How CVS is done
The test can be done through your belly (transabdominal). It may also be done through your cervix (transcervical). It is common to feel some cramping during and after the CVS test. You can go home right after the test. But you may need to take it easy for a day or so.
Transabdominal CVS
-
The healthcare provider puts a needle through your belly (abdomen) and into the uterus.
-
The provider uses ultrasound to guide the needle into place near the placenta. Ultrasound is sound waves that make an image on a screen.
-
The provider takes a small amount of tissue with a syringe.
Transcervical CVS
- First, the fetus is located with ultrasound.
- The healthcare provider puts a thin tube into your vagina and guides it to your uterus.
- The provider removes a small amount of cells from the tissue that will become the placenta (chorionic villi) by gentle suction.
Risks of CVS
Discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider. They may include:
· Miscarriage
· Spotting or light bleeding
· Leaking of blood from the fetus into your own bloodstream- potential for complications in future pregnancies especially if you have Rh Negative blood (ex. O negative).
|
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice:
· Severe pain or cramping
· Vaginal bleeding
· Fever or chills
· Fluid leaking from your vagina
|
Getting test results
You’ll learn your CVS results a few days after the test. CVS is a very accurate test, but in a few cases, results may be inconclusive. Most results are normal. Even if yours are not, it doesn’t always mean there is a problem. You and your healthcare provider can talk about other tests or special care you may want.