CVS testing?

LoriLue31

My doctor would like to do CVS testing at our next appointment and I'm a bit nervous about it. The thought of doing something that could cause miscarriage scares me and if the results were bad it wouldn't change anything. I don't know. Are there any women on here who have had it done? How is it? Did you have any cramping/bleeding after and what way did they enter? Just like to hear personal experiences. Thanks

allybabyo24

Why does your doctor want you to do it, are you higher risk? I feel like if the answer would not change anything for you there is absolutely no reason for you to and you need to stay strong in that.

We have a chromosomal disorder that may put our baby at higher risk for some chromosomal disorders (although there is no family hx of this). But, we have still decided to skip this testing. The results would not really matter to us, and I want to do as little risky procedures as possible.

LoriLue31

I am not really sure if they just do it with everyone or if its our family history. We do have down syndrome and another genetic disease called gauchers in a family, but I didn't think down syndrome was really hereditary. I'll have to get more information from them next time. I guess all I've been thinking about is getting past the first trimester, all the other issues never even came to mind. I didn't even know what CVS testing was when she said it, I thought it was just blood work or something. (Stupid me for not asking. )

Little Dawson

Don't be scared about the testing, but don't feel forced into it either! If you feel no matter what that you're ok with whatever the baby has or doesn't have, then I would tell them to skip it. If they don't listen I would find another place that is more open to your opinion and listens to you.

tdinnar

They usually do it if you are over 35. Down's and other disorders can usually be seen on an ultrasound.

KadensMama

I don't believe the testing can cause a miscarriage? I was just told it's an ultrasound (typically done on the belly, not trans vaginally) and bloodwork. 

JPMD06

The testing does carry a small risk of miscarriage. It is ultrasound guided, but involves more than that. I agree with PP, to ask more questions as to why. It is a test that may be offered to everyone over 35, but that by no means means you have to do it, especially if it would not change anything for you.

Manderlin923

I'm having one in two weeks. It has about a 1 in 400 chance of miscarriage, but because it's done in the first trimester usually and the m/c rate is so high anyway, it's impossible to know "for sure" if that's why it happens. Just being pregnant we have a 1/4 chance of miscarriage as women, so when you look at those odds it's not so scary.

If you don't want to do it, then you have every right to refuse. A lot of people get the test to prepare for a special needs child if they are at high risk of genetic disorder, so even if you know you wouldn't terminate, if you are the type to want to prepare (and say deliver in a hospital with an NICU, specialists, prepare emotionally for a child like this) then go for it.

It is simply an u/s where they insert a needle either through the cervix or the abdomen to take a small sample of the placenta, because in the beginning the baby and placenta have the same DNA. You may feel cramping or nothing at all.

jolynn326

We skipped all testing with DD except for the a/s, and we plan to do the same with this LO and all future kiddos, too. 

sbevmc09

I would start out by finding out exactly why your doctor has recommended that you do the CVS testing and see if there are other avenues to explore first (like NT scan or the Quad screen, which is a blood test), but those are done a little later in pregnancy. 

The thing about these tests is everyone has a different opinion and there is no right or wrong one.  

I think, for me personally, if the doctor wanted me to have the CVS because of family genetics I would likely decline the CVS at this point because termination would not be an option (but again, I don't know your family genetic history so maybe there is some sort of extreme genetic illness that may come into play?).  If there was a real risk of something that could medically threaten the baby at birth or something along those lines I would probably go on to do the Quad screen and the NT scan, get those results, and go from there as far as making a decision as to whether to then do the CVS, which is obviously a more invasive procedure with risks.  JMO without knowing the full story.  If there is a family history of something that needs to be known at birth so that baby can get proper care I would want to know about it, but I don't see why CVS would need to be done this early to know what's going to happen 35 weeks from now

LoriLue31

Manderlin923:

I'm having one in two weeks.

Would you mind letting me know how it goes for you, like cramping, how un/comfortable you were? 

LoriLue31

I guess a little further information would be nice. I am 23, but my husband is 38. My family only has two genetic issues, his has none. I'll ask for more information, but I am beginning to believe that they just offer/suggest it to everyone. They gave my sister the option because of our uncle (down syndrome) and she went ahead and did it. I think I'll take some of y'alls advice and just start with the less invasive screening. We'll be having another u/s that day anyway. We wouldn't abort. The only reason the screening would be beneficial is to plan ahead (maybe get some specialized care options and such). I am still keeping my options open though so if any of y'all have personal experience of the procedure I'd like to know how it went/goes? Thanks for all your responses!