Anyone going to have (or already had) a CVS test?

LGator2484

My husband and I are both cystic fibrosis carriers. (ie 1 in 4 change our baby has CF.)  We found out a week after we found out we were pregnant.  Needless to say it's been a really difficult (agonizing) few weeks not knowing if our little 'sprout' will be healthy or not. 

I think we'll be having a CVS test done somewhere between weeks 10-12 to find out.  I haven't had an appointment with my OB yet to talk about it, but I want to find out asap.  Anyone else out there planning on having a CVS done?  Or already had one?  I've read all about it online but would like to hear from someone who has actually been through it, or will be going through it.

Erze

We discussed it with our OB... but when she mentioned that the intrusive testing could result in a miscarriage, we decided against any testing. I hope somebody here is able to provide you with information regarding it. Good luck.

OmSweetOm

I had it done with my DS. There is about (I believe) a 1 in 350 chance of m/c. In my personal situation I was told based on a blood test that I ranked "high" on the blood assessment for my son having a chromosomal issue, and those odds where actually much higher then the risk of m/c and I couldn't imagine going so many more months unsure of my sons health. I wanted to be as prepared as possible in the event we did have a positive result... thankfully, we did not.To be honest, while the procedure itself was not something I'd call pleasant, it was no where near as trying as waiting 2 full weeks for the results. That was really difficult for me at the time. But, looking at the big picture it really is a small price to pay for peace of mind that your child is healthy. Any specific questions about the procedure feel free to ask.

Erze

@OmSweetOm - I didn't hear that number. But I still think that anything that puts my baby's life at risk is not worth it. On Thursday, when our OB discussed the testing with us, she said that the chance of miscarriage was 1 in 100. That was a ridiculous number to us. After a long discussion with our OB, she said that it comes down to this: "What would you do with the knowledge the test results gave you. Would you abort your child based on the test results that you were provided with?" Our answer was no. As a result there was no point in doing the tests in our minds. 

I guess it really just comes down to personalities and life choices. I would be devastated if a procedure I signed off on getting killed my little Velociraptor in the process. A few months of anxiety is better than a life time of loss. 

OmSweetOm

Erze said:

@OmSweetOm - I didn't hear that number. But I still think that anything that puts my baby's life at risk is not worth it. On Thursday, when our OB discussed the testing with us, she said that the chance of miscarriage was 1 in 100. That was a ridiculous number to us. After a long discussion with our OB, she said that it comes down to this: "What would you do with the knowledge the test results gave you. Would you abort your child based on the test results that you were provided with?" Our answer was no. As a result there was no point in doing the tests in our minds. 

I guess it really just comes down to personalities and life choices. I would be devastated if a procedure I signed off on getting killed my little Velociraptor in the process. A few months of anxiety is better than a life time of loss. 

I wasn't aiming my response at your decision, but to the original OP. It's a hard choice to make that's for sure. I struggled hard with it, but I didn't have much time to think because when my results came back from my blood test I was called and said I had to come the very next day or else I would miss my chance. This was 7 years ago, but I believe it was the day prior to turning 13 weeks. It's a short window in which the test can be done. I drove 2 hours to a hospital in Philly, and even once I was there struggled with my decision. I had 3 prior losses before this. My ratio for chromosomal abnormalities came back at I want to say 1:60. I was only 23 at the time, so this blew my mind. I was terrified. In not even 24 hours I read as much as my brain could handle on this test as well as all the trisomies. I am grateful now that technology has advanced to maternal blood screenings for these (MaterniT21). I sympathize with anyone having to make this choice. I am a planner and I had to know. Not to abort but, to prepare in any and all ways I could. It is very individual and I respect anyone's choice no matter what. Best of luck again to the OP.

KRMcD

Since both you and your husbands are carriers for CF, I think a CVS in your case is a very good idea-despite the risks.  Good luck with whatever decisions you have to make. 

Also, heads up for subsequent pregnancies: some insurance carriers pay for IVF and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis when both partners are carriers for CF. 

LGator2484

Thanks for the replies guys!

@OmSweetOm -  Glad to hear the results of your CVS were good.  You mentioned driving 1 hours to Philly for the test...  did you have to go to a special facility to have the procedure done?  I live 2 hours from Philly as well, maybe I will have to go to the same place?  Obviously I need to talk about this with my OB because my knowledge so far is just what I've read online.  I know what you mean about the hardest part being waiting for the results.  The last 2 weeks of not knowing have been brutal, and I have at least another 4 to go before I'll know anything. I'm afraid to let myself be happy about the pregnancy, or plan anything (which is tough because I'm a planner too!), so just living in a state of limbo for now. 

OmSweetOm

@LGator2484‌ I actually had to go to Cooper (Camden) but didn't realize you'd know where that is:) yes, I had to go somewhere specific.

I can totally sympathize about not allowing yourself to be happy. I have been having issues with bleeding for over a week now and will be finding out tomorrow (hopefully) what is going on. Limbo sucks, there is no other way about it. It's hard for something to be going on inside you, but not being able to have any idea what it is. FX for you. I am sure after talking with your OB you will be able to make the decision that is right for you and your LO.