Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Specialist
We perform CVS sampling to determine if a baby has any genetic issues while a patient is still pregnant (Amniocentesis is usually completed 15 weeks or more into the pregnancy and CVS is completed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy). We most commonly perform this sampling for moms who are 35 years or older because moms who are 35 years or older have a greater risk of having a baby with gene problem such as down syndrome. Parents who have a child with down syndrome, spina bifida, or have family members with a gene disorder such as cystic fibrosis may also want to have these tests. Learning about any issues while you are still pregnant is beneficial because it can help you determine how to care for your baby. And, in some cases the condition can be treated before the baby is born.
What is Amniocentesis and CVS?
Amniocentesis is the process of using a thin needle to take some fluid out of the womb for testing. This process often causes mild cramping. CVS is when a doctor takes a small piece of placenta from the womb using a thin tube. This can cause some mild bleeding. CVS is a better choice over amniocentesis for parents who have had a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or if they have a neural tube defect themselves. Amniocentesis is a better choice if the patient and doctor desire the test results during the first three months of pregnancy. Both of these treatments have a small risk of miscarriage.
