CVS or Amnio?

LakeBride009

I got some high risk numbers back on my NT scan for Trisomy 18/13.  Talked to my doctor about the CVS test and have an appt with the Genetic Counseling Center on Monday.  My dr indicated their is a higher risk with CVS than amnio for miscarriage.  I am wondering if anyone on this board has had the CVS done and what their experience was like?

Thanks in advance.  Just trying to digest this unpleasant news.

~denise~

I'm sorry about your high numbers, I can't be any help, but I did just read that they hardly ever do CVS because of the high risk for miscarriage.

GL and keep us updated.

11kacey

My friend had the CVS and is expecting two healthy babies this winter!

gymnst1013

I'm so sorry about your news

The doc talked about both of them with me because of my age.  At the facility I would have gone to, the risk for m/c with both was the same - 1:1000.  So very, very low.  I would definitely ask what the risks are specifically at the facility you would go to.  The way I looked at it, if my risk of a defect was greater than the risk of m/c, I may have more seriously considered having it done.

CVS has to be done in week 12 so there is a timing issue.  CVS can be done vaginally or abdominally.  It depends on the placement of the placenta.  I've heard neither are particularly painful.  If you have it abdominally, don't look at the needle!  Amnio is exactly the same as abdominal CVS.  Just a different substance they take a sample of (amniotic fluid instead of placenta.

Good luck!!  I hope everything turns out perfectly.

susieandmarty

i have also heard that they carry the same risk.

 

fingers crossed and good luck

MelPelu

I too received high risk numbers with my blood tests, even though the NT scan was 1.0.  It's such a hard decision.  I decided I couldn't wait another 4 weeks to get results back from an amnio, so we're doing the CVS today!  My genetics counselor quoted our miscarriage risk as 1/200 or .5%.  Amnio definitely has a better risk factor,  but I feel comfortable with such low numbers. 

I asked a lot of questions about my perinatologist and the center itself, and feel pretty good about his experience and the number of CVSs he performs. (around 2 a week)

The bottom line for me....and I know many people do not feel the same way....if there is a problem, and termination is an option....then do the CVS.  It's so much earlier and the termination itself would be less traumatic and complicated.  If termination is not an option, you might as well wait for the amnio. 

BTW...I'm 41 and this is my 1st--and a total shock!  DH is 48.  Did 4 failed IVFs 10 years ago and had long given up!

I will check in after my CVS today or tomorrow....depending on how I feel.

YouAreMyILoveYou

MelPelu:

The bottom line for me....and I know many people do not feel the same way....if there is a problem, and termination is an option....then do the CVS.  It's so much earlier and the termination itself would be less traumatic and complicated.  If termination is not an option, you might as well wait for the amnio. 

This is exactly what I was going to say. For us, we decided that if we had to make a choice we would pick the CVS because we would probably want to act quickly if there was a problem. If termination isn't a choice you would make, and you feel better waiting for the amnio, that might be a better choice for you.

LakeBride009

Thanks for the responses.  To be honest, MH and I never even have talked about termination because I guess I never thought I would be in this position.  I am young (29) and have no family history, so to get the results we did was pretty shocking.  However, if it is T18 and I know iminent outcome is death, it may change my mind on how I feel about termination.  I need to have some serious discussion abotu this with mh tonight.  We go on Monday to see genetics specialist and if we decide to proceed we will have the CVS done that same day. 

Please let me know how your CVS goes, I will be thinking of you and good luck.

MelPelu

OK, had the CVS this morning.  It wasn't that bad....felt like a longer-than-usual pap smear.  Really, the worst part was having a full bladder and then having the ultrasound pushing down.  What really stressed me out was that he wasn't positive he had enough "substance" the first time, and went in a second time.  The 2nd time was faster and easier, and they got plenty.  I'm on bed rest for 24 hours.  They said to anticipate some minor bleeding and cramps, but so far, so good. 

Whether they go in through the abdomen or  the vagina, depends on the position of the baby/placenta.  Mine wasn't in the best position for either, so he made me drink more water!  LOL!  I asked the nurses if anyone had ever peed on their table.  That was a no!

Surprisingly, they said I would have the preliminary results either late Monday or Tuesday.  I thought it would be at least a week.  

I know this is a hard decision.  When the genetics counselor called me with our results last Friday, I immediately told her I would wait for the amnio on Dec 27.  After a TERRIBLE weekend, I called Monday and told her I couldn't wait another 3-4 weeks!

Hope this helps you a little.