CVS - via cervix

[nancydrewrocked]

Hi I was just wondering if anyone had had this done?

I am having a CVS next week at just 11 weeks, because it is so early I have been told that they may have to insert the needle via the cervix. I am terrified.

I am also worried about how tiny the baby is at this stage (I have had a previous CVS at 21 weeks and everything was so much bigger that it seemed obvious where the needle should be going etc - this time round I just cannot imagine how they get it right)

Anyway would just appreciate some words of advice/reassurance if anyone has any.

Thanks.

Hi, nancydrew, I have had CVS x3 at 10-11 weeks without any adverse outcomes . All 3 were done via my abdominal wall, not through the cervix, although the 1st time it took 2 attempts and it hurt.

I think being told it may have to be done through the cervix is really just to cover all eventualities and is not particularly likely.
At over 10 weeks your baby has arms and legs and looks surprisingly like a small human. They use a high resolution ultrasound probe and really do know where they are going. If, if, the baby is lying awkwardly you may be given the choice between having it done via cervix or to come back another day. This happened to me with DS4, but before I could decide he shifted, phew! I still had one doctor pushing my cervix upwards with her hand, while the consultant took the CVS. Dignified it what NOT...

The cervix itself has no nerveendings so having the biopsy needle inserted through it does not hurt, although the prodding and pushing can be sore.

I am also bumping this for you. Surely there must be somebody on here who has acually had it done cervically??

Good luck with everything .

Thanks pacificdogwood I really appreciate your reply.

For some reason I feel more comfortable with the idea of it being done abdominally - probably because it is not such a great unknown but I do realise that if they want to do it via the cervix there will be good reason.

Have to be quick nancydrew as ds is needing attention, but I had this done in April at about 13 weeks. Due to the position of the baby they had to go in through the cervix, and it was fine. Obviously a little uncomfortable, but fine. The only slightly painful part was the thing they clip onto the cervix to presumably hold it still, that stung a little, but I didn't feel the needle going in at all. Apparently they use the body's natural cavities as much as possible to prevent excess trauma down there.

Tbh, it would scare me more having it done the 'normal' way as I would imagine that would hurt.

I would have thought that by 11 weeks there will be enough space between the villus and the baby for it to go smoothly. Perhaps there may be increased risk of cross-contamination though, because everything is smaller, but even that would be a tiny risk, and it's there with every CVS performed anyway.

I really hope it goes well - if you think of anything else you'd like to know about having it done cervically then let me know.

Thanks so much Monkey I appreciate your reply.

I hadn't thought in terms of it hurting less - my abdominable CVS was fairly uncomfortable and I had a cracking bruise for a week or two after, so that is at least one positive aspect.

How long do you think the procedure took? Not that it really matters I guess it takes as long as it does but in addition to the general stress of the procedure I am very sqeamish - and I hate the unknown.

Hi nancy, I'm afraid I don't really have a clue how long it took as I was in a bit of a state, but I do know that it didn't take nearly as long as we thought it might. It seemed to go very quickly, and they managed to get the sample very easily. They had mentioned having to try again if the angle they went in at didn't work, but it did.
I had a bit of bleeding afterwards, and it was uncomfortable for a couple of days, but you probably would've had the same mild cramps with your previous CVS.
Can I ask how long it took doing it the normal way? If I ever manage to get pg again I will probably have to have another one so it might be good to know! Hope you don't mind me asking?

Thanks monkey - ask away!

I reckon it took no more than a couple of minutes, probably just over 5 by the time they applied the anaesthetic cream and got the ultrasound picture up. Needle went almost straight in and out, they confirmed there was still a heart beat and we were done.

Although I was 21 weeks so it may be different at that gestation?

Useful to know about bleeding and cramps, I didn't get anything last time although DS moving often felt a bit crampy so probably wouldn't have noticed.

Thanks again.

Gosh, that seems quick! My actual procedure was reasonably fast, but they were sorting out 'instruments' for a good few minutes beforehand. Not the best when you just want it over and done with!

Will you let me know how it goes? Lots of luck x

We were actually in with the consultant for a long time so I guess the prep with the instruments was all done whilst we were chatting etc - I shouldn't give the impression that we were in and out quick because the process was very good but the procedure was quick - if that makes sense.

Will let you know how it goes - thanks

Just thought that I'd update - although I do have another thread going at the moment

The procedure went very well - really quick and pretty painless so that is good. On the other hand I insisted on being given the NT measurement which was too high at 3.4 so now I feel sick with worry (even though I knew there was a risk but I think I just believed it couldn't possibly happen again )

Anyway now I just have to wait for the results on Monday. Will be a long weekend.

Hi Nancy, thanks so much for updating - I actually tried to reply yesterday but got interrupted...

I'm glad to hear that the procedure went well, although you must be terrified about the results. I did read your other thread, and I am so, so sorry about your ds How absolutely heartbreaking for you. 3.4mm is worrying, I know, but it's also not so high that it means there is definately something wrong. It could still be okay, and I hope so much that it is.

Do you knw whether they saw a nasal bone at all?

I'm thinking of you, and sending you a big (((hug))) I know only too well how awful the wait for news is. What have you got planned over the next few days? I hope whatever it is that it manages to take your mind off things, even for a little while. Please let me know how you are xxx

Aw thanks. I can't say I am not going mad with worry here and as much as I try to distract myself I do have this general feeling of "can't be arsed" but I have 2 DC who need me to keep it together so I am doing my best (unfortuantely DH is overseas and can't be here so I just have to get on with it ).

Anyway on the plus side they did see a nasal bone and the heart looked good - although I don't think there is much they can tell regarding that at this early stage and TBH the Dr clearly didn't want to get into a game of second guessing since the CVS had been done.

Wierdly it really does help that there are people keeping their fingers crossed for me so I do appreciate your thoughts.

Roll on Monday.

That's a really good sign that they saw the nasal bone Stay strong, and let's keep our fingers crossed for happy results come Monday xxx