CVS or Amnio?

[Andsoitis]

I was wondering what are the reasons that one might opt for an amnio as opposed to CVS for diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities?

Is it just because CVS is slightly higher risk, and might not be possible for reasons of accesibility, or is there another reason? Thanks.

[ragged]

CVS = results sooner
Amnio = lower m/c risk (according to most sources), not so dependent on position of placenta, tends to hurt less (if hurts at all).

[Beanbeany]

CVS can be done earlier so potentially less traumatic for possible termination. I was told an amnio would be preferable for me as I have high BMI.

[TheNextMrsDepp]

Amnio is done a lot later in pg, so if a termination is needed it is much more complicated.

I had a CVS and it was nice to have everything resolved by 15 weeks.

I think the risks of CVS have decreased a lot over the years, and the more skilled practitioners have very small mc risks.

[aly323]

From what I understood from my recent meeting with the geneticist, an amnio detects neural tube defects, while CVS doesn't. Also, there is a slight risk that a CVS can pick something up that is only in the placenta, but not the fetus.

If you do a second trimester blood screen, it would also look for possible neural tube defects.

Personally, I have diabetes and have decided to wait for an amnio because I want the test to be as comprehensive as possible since diabetes can cause birth defects, including neural tube defects. Also, I think I will just be slightly less stressed about an amnio. However, I had to think long and hard before I made this decision. Also, if my screening results come back with high risks, I might change to do a cvs.

[echops]

I had a CVS test at 13 weeks and was told by my consultant that M/C rates for both CVS & Amnio are much lower than those usually quoted.
He also said:

1. Many women who m/c after a CVS test would have m/c anyway had the pregnancy progressed further.
2. If you need a CVS/Amnio go to a larger hospital where the Drs carry out hundreds of such tests. More experienced Drs have a lower risk of M/C.
3. Figures for M/C are often taken from studys conducted years ago and may contain figures from other countries (where Drs don't carry out as many tests).

[echops]

I had a CVS test at 13 weeks and was told by my consultant that M/C rates for both CVS & Amnio are much lower than those usually quoted.
He also said:

1. Many women who m/c after a CVS test would have m/c anyway had the pregnancy progressed further.
2. If you need a CVS/Amnio go to a larger hospital where the Drs carry out hundreds of such tests. More experienced Drs have a lower risk of M/C.
3. Figures for M/C are often taken from studys conducted years ago and may contain figures from other countries (where Drs don't carry out as many tests).

[Andsoitis]

Thanks everyone. I had my CVS and results all came back fine, phew!

[echops]

Congratulations!

[kazzt]

Hi. Due to my age I have been offered a CVS. I am 9 weeks 4 days. Don'e know whether to take a chance and wait to get an amniio. They say the risk of MC is higher with a CRV. Has anyone had this proceedure as early as this or is it better to wait a couple of weeks.

[nancydrewrocked]

I had a CVS at 11 weeks back in August.

I was worried as I had had a CVS much later in a previous pregnancy and just couldn't imagine how it was possible for them to take a sample when the baby was so small, but if anything the procedure was far more qucik and easy early on.

The huge advantage was that I had my results before I was even 12 weeks pregnant, which given I had a previous stillbirth was of the utmost importance to me.

Best wishes

[kazzt]

Thanks.

I think I am going to go for it but will leave it for a week as just not prepared mentally or emotionally yet.