CVS experience (kinda long)

UTKD

For those who are interested, this is my CVS experience. 

First off, we love our specialist.  He wanted to answer our questions and make sure we were ready for the CVS, or if we would rather go with the NT screen instead.  It was so much better to talk to the dr, rather than just the genetic counselor b/c the dr is so more more knowledgeable.  He said our risk of m/c from CVS is really, really low.  He said we don't need to worry about m/c from the procedure, that out of his first 1000 procedures, there were only two m/cs.  He said our baby looks really good and strong, that my risk of m/c is 2% right now, whether I get the CVS or not, and that the CVS may increase that risk by less than a fraction of 1%, if that.  I also asked if there are other risks, like other birth defects, and he told us the same thing the counselor told us -- that before, when CVS was done earlier, some babies didn't fully develop fingers and toes, but CVS is done later now, so that problem almost never arises, and we will not have that problem anyway b/c I am already 11 weeks.  So, I looked at DH, and he said, "I think we are ready" and I said "yes, I'm ready" and the dr explained the procedure. 

Personally, I find the CVS a bit uncomfortable.  The dr first gave me the numbing shot -- it was going well at first.  He then said okay, now I am going to push this needle in more to try to get your uterus numb, too.  (He said that sometimes he can't get to the uterus, so sometimes the uterus doesn't get numb.)  I said okay -- then the pain hit.  It wasn't totally painful -- but the shock of the sensation caught me by surprise.  It felt like injecting fire into my uterus.  Then he puts in the CVS needle -- I didn't feel that one at all -- I guess b/c of the numbing stuff.  It took a few seconds for him to get the sample.  They then put a band-aid on the injection site.  I didn't think the CVS would hurt at all, b/c needles usually do not bother me, but I guess I am a bigger pansy than I thought I was!   

I am staying home today in my soft yoga pants b/c the injection site feels really sore and tender to the touch, and it's a little uncomfortable moving around.  The dr said that menstrual-type cramping and spotting is not uncommon, but I don't have any of that yet.  He showed us the placental fluid -- it looks like dirty water from a river.  The results usually take about 10-14 days.   

But, on a nicer note, the baby was looking really good.  It measured right on target -- 11w1d.  It was moving around like crazy.  It is amazing what a difference 4 weeks makes.  My last U/S was at 7 weeks -- the baby was just a blob.  Now, we can see arms and legs, and it's rolling around, waving it arms and legs.  Amazing.  The HB is a strong 167.   

leslieb923

Thank you for sharing your CVS experience.  I go on 10/20 for mine and your story has put my mind at ease a little bit.  Thanks!

UTKD

The numbing shot was more uncomfortable then the CVS shot, but then again, the numbing shot was the first shot!  I guess I just wasn't prepared to feel burning, so I think if you go in with that knowledge, you will be better prepared. Overall, it was no big deal, and I'm happy to have done it.  Good luck! 

cheekyali

Thanks for the detailed post. Rest up and I hope you get great news.

minnasmommy

glad you had such a good experience!

I thought my DH was seriously going to hit the floor when he saw that needle!

you're right--you just don't expect it and it's sooo uncomfortable! 

Aprilmomx2

Thanks for sharing!  I go tomorrow for my CVS....I am terrified of needles and so scared it will hurt.  My doc also put me more at ease about the chance of m/c.  Now i just hope the test goes well and all comes back good news!