CVS

Has anyone done a CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)  
It is similar to an amnio, but it is done at 10 weeks.

I'm not sure I want to do either.  If it took me this long to get pregnant, maybe I should just take what god has given me.  I'm 41, and I know doctors do additional tests at my age.

Thoughts anyone?

[Helen72]

You can do NT scan which is a genetic u/s and see if you are even at risk.  If NT scan is negative you can skip the amnio.

[Amalia500]

I am 38 and had CVS at 11 weeks.  The results were my baby had Down Syndrome and severe hydrops (I can only explain hydrops as fluid collecting behind the neck as a result of a heart deformity. I am sure there is much more to it).  The maternal-fetal doctors told me the baby would not live beyond 28-30 weeks in utero.  We decided to terminate and try again for a healthy child while I still may still be able to.  I also did not want to wait until the baby died only to have to deliver the baby in the Labor/Delivery ward of a hospital.  These was an extremely tough decision, but I am at peace and we hope we will get pregnant again.  I think this is possibly the worst scenario I could have imagined.  I wish you well with your decision and hope you have a healthy baby.

[JaniceP]

Wow - I'm sorry to hear your news. Is this the only test that would have showed those results? Would blood work have showed it?   I can't even imagine what you went through, what a tough decision. I'm glad to hear you are at peace.  That in itself is a miracle. I've been through a few losses, and I am always inspired by others who go through this and find the will to go on.

Was the CVS covered through your insurance?
Was it a painful procedure?

[Amalia500]

We saw the physical problems with the baby during the ultrasound the right before the CVS test.  The ultrasound tech kept measuring and measuring.  I thought she was just taking measurements for the CVS test so there would be no damage to the baby.

The CVS test was like an annual exam with a pinch at the end when the doctor gets the sample.  I took a pain pill before the test because I hate any kind of female exam.  You could hit me over the head with a hammer and I'd be fine.  Put a speculum in me and I cringe.  If you are scared of pain, you could take something over the counter to take the edge off (safe for pregnancy of course).  I had an HSG test a few months prior to the CVS test to check the status of my fallopian tubes.  That test was much worse and lasted much longer.

Blood tests can only show increased risk for genetic abnormalities.  They can't indicate physical abnormalities such as hydrops, heart defects, etc.

With my first child I had blood work that indicated I was at a higher risk of genetic abnormalities.  My doctor told me not to worry because there are so many false positives with that blood test.  (The test was called a triple-screen back then.  I think it is called a quad-screen now.)  So I had an amnio which came back fine.  Of course my husband and I had an agonizing two weeks waiting for the results.  Little did we know that would prepare us for our later decision.

My CVS test was 100% covered I am assuming because I am of advanced maternal age - over 35.  My termination was even covered by insurance which surprised me.  I did have to go to a large city hospital to have it done.  I assume insurance companies are thinking of the bottom line.  They would rather pay a few thousand for termination than pay thousands or maybe millions trying to save a baby who has very slim chances of living outside the womb.

I definitely recommend getting the CVS test done even if you are sure you will have the baby regardless of any health issues he/she may have.  Because if you do have a baby who is going to have special needs, you will have time to educate yourself and prepare for your child's condition.

Good luck.  I don't mean to scare you with any of this.  I have found such great medical information and support online.  These area things women don't talk about freely with each other which is a shame.  

[JaniceP]

Thanks for all the information. And wow...you have given me a ton of information.

I would have to agree about the hammer.  I feel the same way.

It probably makes sense to take something for pain before the test.  I actually had the HSG too. Not very fun. For me, it was really crampy for what seemed like a lifetime, but was probably only a few seconds. So, if the CVS is better than that, I think I can handle that.

Glad to hear everything was covered. It sure is one less thing to worry about.

Will you be trying again?  I hope so!!!