Where to get a CVS or amnio?

Alli318 · January 2012

Hi ladies,

This may sound crazy, but I'm ~7 weeks right now and freaking out about the health of my unborn baby. I really want to get a CVS (and possibly an amniocentesis) although I'm sure my doc won't think it's medically necessary - I'm only 26, and neither my husband nor I are carriers of genetic disease. However, I'm concerned about exposure to certain things both prior to conception and after conception, before finding out I was pregnant (alcohol, unpasteurized cheese, raw seafood, etc). I don't meet with my doc for the first time for another 2 weeks, but I want to do my research ahead of time - where should I look to have a CVS or an amnio done (when the time comes) if my insurance doesn't cover it? Do I just start calling hospitals, or private OB clinics, or what? I want a reputable doc, of course, but also want to get the best price (I travel for a living so could go almost anywhere in the US to get it done).

Please help!

AngelGirl37351 · January 2012

Ob's Don't really do amnio's unless there is a genetic cause or something appears out of the ordinary. As for the CVS my doctor asked me if I wanted it in my 2nd tri and they would just draw an extra vile when they did my normal blood work

Ladiebug710 · January 2012

You need to go to an MFM. But you need to know that the exposures you are talking about dont cause chromosomal defects in the baby. Those are there at conception. A CVS or amnio will give you a karyotype, if there are specific genetic deseases they are looking for speical tests can also be ordered on a case by case basis.

mrs+harlow · January 2012

The concerns you have listed - unpasteurized cheese, alcohol, etc. will not cause chromosomal defects...CVS and amnio look at chromosomal defects so if those are your concerns there is no point in getting either. And because both CVS and amnio come with a risk...good luck finding a MFM specialist who will proceed with such based off your concerns.

mrs+harlow · January 2012

And FWIW....your placenta is weeks from developing. Your baby isn't really getting nutrients from you at 6 weeks so I really wouldn't be concerned about the things you listed.

mrs.gee · January 2012

AngelGirl37351:
As for the CVS my doctor asked me if I wanted it in my 2nd tri and they would just draw an extra vile when they did my normal blood work

The CVS is done by testing cells from the placenta, it's not just another vial of blood.

OP: You may be able to convince your doctor to do these tests but they come with a risk of m/c, so you might want to start with less invasive ones like the NT scan and go from there. Also, as others have said, no need to worry so much about the "exposures" you've mentioned. GL.

libra31 · January 2012

mrs.gee:
The CVS is done by testing cells from the placenta, it's not just another vial of blood.
OP: You may be able to convince your doctor to do these tests but they come with a risk of m/c, so you might want to start with less invasive ones like the NT scan and go from there. Also, as others have said, no need to worry so much about the "exposures" you've mentioned. GL.

This is all correct. I would talk to your doctor at your appt and research the tests you are talking about. Like the pp said, the exposures you are talking about don't cause chromosomal abnormalities although I have a feeling there may be more that your not sharing. It just seems excessive to jump to an an amnio or CVS b/c of sushi. Almost all cheeses in the US are pasteurized and many people consume alcohol well into their 1st tri before learning they're pregnant. But then again, maybe you just need to talk with a doctor and better inform yourself on the actual reasons those test are done.

Most doctors won't do them on a whim w/o a warranted reason. And you can't just walk in someplace and pay out of pocket like you're getting a manicure.

Where to get a CVS or amnio?

Re: Where to get a CVS or amnio?

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