XP: Did you do a CVS?

That.Just.Happened · February 2010

I have a very elevated risk for DS because both my parents had siblings with Downs. I had my first appt with my doctor today (who has also been my GYN for the past several years) and she knows about my family history and suggested a CVS as an option. I am going to meet with a genetic specialist next week to learn more about it and nail down exactly what the risks are. As I see it, the pro's are that it screens for pretty much all the genetic disorders with very high accuracy (making an NT Scan - which has a a high rate of false positives - obsolete). It is done early (week 11/12) as opposed to an amnio (which is done week 16-20) which seems much better if we did decide to terminate. And a fun bonus: you find out the sex!The con is that is does carry the risk of m/c (about .5% chance) since they do have to take cells directly from the placenta.I have to hear what the genetic specialist says, but right now that chance of m/c scares me but the idea of finding out something is wrong at 20 weeks and THEN having to make a decision to terminate scares me even more.If you decided to do it, how did you come to that decision and are you glad you did it? Not trying to start a debate about terminating if something is wrong.Thanks!

meghan_marie · February 2010

I just did a paper on this.

My thoughts, would you terminate the pregnancy if something did come back abnormal? There is a chance of m/c and you carry a higher risk of your baby having a clubbed foot. Many times the results are wrong. The test is preformed at a time that is most convienent to terminate, not at the most accurate time. If you do decide to have the CVS, do it later in the pregnancy when it is the most accurate. If you are not up to the challenge of handling a special needs child, you could always put it up for adoption. That's my view on it.

That.Just.Happened · February 2010

meghan_marie:
I just did a paper on this.
My thoughts, would you terminate the pregnancy if something did come back abnormal? There is a chance of m/c and you carry a higher risk of your baby having a clubbed foot. Many times the results are wrong. The test is preformed at a time that is most convienent to terminate, not at the most accurate time. If you do decide to have the CVS, do it later in the pregnancy when it is the most accurate. If you are not up to the challenge of handling a special needs child, you could always put it up for adoption. That's my view on it.

Thanks. I didn't realize that doing it later made it more accurate. What about an amnio vs a CVS (or are they really the same thing and it is just a timing issue)?

To answer your question, depending on what came back we might terminate, yes.

bashsmom02 · February 2010

We didn't because of the chance of false positives. I didn't want my pregnancy to be ruined if it showed a false positive, because we would not terminate.

meghan_marie · February 2010

CVS collects a small sample of cells from the placenta. The amnio collects amniotic fluid from the uterus. Same results but the CVS is done earlier than an amnio. CVS is also associated with higher risks of a m/c. The earlier the test is done the higher the chance of m/c. The most accurate time to do it is after you are 20 weeks.

I'm not saying I wouldn't have the test done. You have family history of Down's so I don't blame you one bit. You wouldn't want to terminate a pregnancy when there is nothing wrong with your LO though. Wait until you are a little further along to have the test done. You want the most accurate result. If it comes back abnormal then you can still terminate the pregnancy if that's what y'all choose to do.

MontrealWing · February 2010

I had one with both DS and this current pregnancy. If you go to someone who does many CVS's the risks for miscarriage are less then the posted statistics, which are a bit out dated at this point anyway. That said, I had the procedure done through my abdomen the first time and transvaginal the second time. I had very minimal cramping and no bleeding. It was quick and a little uncomfortable but does not really hurt. I did it because of my age and I am very glad to have done it and would do it again in another pregnancy. I personally like to have concrete knowledge of things despite what I may or may not do. Knowledge is power and having the results in 48 hours (with the FISH test) gave me great peace of mind. If you have anymore questions, just ask.

That.Just.Happened · February 2010

Thanks ladies for all the great advice, I appreciate it!

julybaby23 · February 2010

I was advised that an amnio was less risky but you have the problem of it being late if you do want to terminate. You still can, it would just be a lot more difficult physically (and of course emotionally). The amnio was no big thing and I'm very glad that I did it. If you do amnio or CVS be sure to find a doctor that does a lot of them so it is a routine procedure. Good luck!

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