CVS in 1.5 weeks. Any insight?

[olilos]

Hi everyone. We have been advised to do a CVS test due to a 25% chance of having a child with a genetic disorder. We are booked in in 1.5 weeks and was wondering if anyone who's been there could offer some insight. What to expect, does it hurt, what happens after etc. Just anything from personal experience would be really helpful. I am terrified of the whole thing, but also realise that i am scared of the wait and the possibility of getting bad results, rather than the test itself (if that makes sense). I am booked in at UCH in London, if anyone has any specific experience from there. First pregnancy, and i will be 11+4 at the time.
Thank you all in advance.

[Lucky3878]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. I was referred for CVS after our 12 week scan. The procedure itself didn't take too long but beforehand we were counselled for almost an hour- not just about the CVS but what it may identify and options if we got bad news. They use a red dye on your tummy which rubbed off on my top so wouldn't recommend wearing a light top. It starts off with a general uncomfortable feeling in your tummy and then a sharp pain. They had told me beforehand to keep as still as possible and I thought the 'uncomfortable pain' was what they had warned me about. When the sharp pain came though I nearly jumped off the table so be prepared!!! Afterwards I was advised to take paracetamol for any crampy pains and to phone in 48 hours for results. Try and keep as busy as you can for those 48 hours. We didn't get good news unfortunately and decided not to continue the pregnancy. I continued to have niggly pains for the next week. The night before I was due to go to hospital I started to miscarry which I thought was down to the CVS. Afterwards when talking with the genetics consultant I mentioned that I thought the procedure had started things for me as I knew there was an associated risk but she said the risk of miscarriage is actually tiny and in her opinion closer to 1-500 as opposed to 1/2-100 and that findings at my scan and my daughters condition were what actually ended things for us. Really hope things work out for you x

[Lucky3878]

Also after talking too a lot of people over the last month about this I have found out we really were one of the unlucky ones. People don't always get bad news even if the odds don't seem good. Will keep my fingers crossed for you

[daluze]

I had CVS at UCH. Everyone ag Fetal Medicine Unit there were amazing. I don't remember much of the procedure, as we just received 12 week screening results (1:7) and went straight on to have CVS (just across the corridor from where we had 12 weeks scan) and I was in shock. Everyone at FTU were extremely supportive. I did not feel any pain during the procedure (but I could not stop crying or look at the screen). You have a screen at the end of the bed, so you can see everything. At the end they show you the heartbeat, which then means that a miscarriage is very unlikely anymore. We asked the doctor how many CVSs he had done before, and he said thousands. After the procedure they take you to the recovery room, where you can stay as long as you like/need. I did not have any pain or bleeding afterwards, although it is possible and normal. The midwives were very supportive. You can call them afterwards from home anytime if you want to talk.
I strongly recommend that DH, or someone else close, comes with you. I was very emotional and cannot imagine being there alone.
At UCH, they take samples from hospital to the lab 3 or 4 times a day. I got results the next day, but that depends on the test - I am sure they will tell you when to expect the call.
All the best! In my experience, the procedure is nothing in comparison with the wait afterwards. We were lucky, and my 14 month old just started walking and is all well. Really hope your baby is fine!

[olilos]

Lucky thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. Knowing the technical aspects of the day, helps calm my nerves a bit. I am really sorry it didn't work out well for you and thank you for your kind words and wishes.

daluze thank you also for telling me your story, especially from the UCH experience. I am glad you found the care there to be good, and really happy you got the results you wanted!! Yes it is the days after that i am dreading the most....! Fingers crossed!

Thank you both so much

[Lucky3878]

Wishing you lots of luck. Please let us know how you get on

[grobagsforever]

Had mine on same day as 12 week scan following a 1/15 risk of downs. Was at st georges in London. Saw midwife first to explain test and the consultant. She did a scan first and then the test. It wasn't painful, just uncomfortable. It took about a minute. Very little pain afterwards, no spotting, although it is normal to spot. We had to wait 4 days for results as it was over new year bank holiday. Our result was all clear. Best of luck OP.

[Nessalina]

Hi, really sorry to hear that you're in this position
I had CVS at 14 weeks after our scan showed severe hydrops. It wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't awful. We were at Leeds General Infirmary. It was 2 weeks after the scan because the placenta was in an unhelpful place.
It was the consultant that we knew already, and another nurse. They put in a local anaesthetic which hurt like a vaccine, not too bad, then the CVS needle didn't hurt but it was an unpleasant sensation - kind of like someone wiggling their finger in your belly button IYKWIM Then there's a scraping sensation. I didn't look at the needle or the screen just kept my eyes shut. After the first draw she checked the slide and had to go back for more because the sample want big enough.
Afterwards I felt very pale and nauseous so I sat down for a bit, then I felt ok! The next day I felt quite bruised, but again, not too bad.
So, in summary, it's not fun, but don't worry too much, it was much better than I expected! Fx for the best possible outcome for you xx

[LBNM19]

Hi how did your CVS testing go?

I've just joined mumsnet looking for some help/advice.

My 2 year old son has a severe genetic condition, I'm having CVS testing next Monday to see if this baby has the same condition.

I'm finding it all very difficult but we have decided to terminate if the baby does have the same condition we also have a 25% chance.