Common Health Issues / Pregnancy / Pregnancy Health + Wellness

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Procedure and Risks

Every woman who is pregnant starts her term with a test and the series of these tests continue till the time the baby is born. While there are many tests which are done for diagnosis there are others which are known to be screening tests. One such test is the CVS or Chorionic Villus Sampling.

Chorionic Villus Sampling is known as a prenatal test which helps to detect any chromosomal abnormalities like for example the Down syndrome. Apart from this, this test also helps to detect any other abnormalities which might occur. The Chorionic Villus Sampling Procedure is not a hard one. When you are asked to go in for the test, the doctor collects the cells from your placenta which is also called as the chorionic villi and these are then sent to the lab for further diagnosis.

Not every pregnant woman is asked to go in for the CVS test. This test is only recommended for those women who have a risk of miscarriage or have had any genetic or chromosomal problems. This is only asked for when the initial prenatal test has some abnormalities. The CVS tests can be done even during the 10 weeks to 13 weeks of pregnancy.

While undergoing the test is simple and easy, many also believe that there are some Chorionic Villus Sampling Risks. While the news about the miscarriage after the CVS test is true but the chances for the same are very less and this can be anything from 1 in 100 or 200. But there are also some older studies which have stated that the procedure of CVS have indeed caused some damage to the fingers or the toes of the babies and this is more possible when the test is done before 9 weeks of pregnancy. The very recent studies do state that such risks do not occur when the tests are done after 11 weeks of pregnancy.

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Before the CVS test is done, you will have to undergo an ultrasound as it helps the doctor to see how you are progressing and if they would be able to get the right sample for the test. You need to make sure that you have a full bladder so as to get the good view of your uterus. The main goal of this test is to obtain the tiny tissue of your placenta which is then sent to the lab for further study. You can be assured that the amniotic sac will not be disturbed in this process and even the doctor would check the heartbeat of your baby after the sample has been collected. So, you can be assured that you baby is all safe and this would not harm him/her.

You can check with your insurance provider if you are entitled for cover for the CVS test; if not your can check for the Chorionic Villus Sampling Cost with the doctor. A number of testing centers also ask for the woman to undergo a counseling session with a genetic counselor before you go in for the test.

Disclaimer

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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Stephanie McClane About Author

Stephanie McClane is a mother of three and enjoys sharing the knowledge she gathered throughout her pregnancies. After approaching her last two pregnancies from a more holistic prespective and having two natural births, she was inspired to share her experiences with other moms-to-be.