CVS 1 in 86

[frozen5050]

I've just received the call that I'm 1 in 86 risk for downs. I had my 12week scan yesterday and they've offered CVS at Kings College Denmark Hill. I'm 40 turning 41 in July and it would be my third child. What is the CVS like ? My partner is due to finally go back to work (flying) so unlikely he will be here. How long does CVS take and how long to recover? Any other questions or helpful comments. I'm feeling all over the place...

I had my CVS around six weeks ago at Kings in London who were amazing. Everyone feels it differently and I personally found it painful but very quick. They do recommend resting after for a couple of days, I found that it made my tummy muscles very tight and bruised so I struggled with getting myself up after laying down etc. My midwife said it is more common in ‘slender’ women to take a couple of days to recover. On reflection I really mentally and physically needed someone with me so if you can have any support I would take it. Wishing for positive news for you x

Thank you. When you say quick how long from when you stepped into hospital and stepped out ? It's tough trying to get someone to drive as friends nearby are all juggling kids. I'm really emotional about it all

I had my CVS at Kings on Wednesday. It is obviously a bit unpleasant, but I felt in really safe hands and the medical staff were amazing, very kind and reassuring.

I had sore stomach muscles around the needle site for about 48 hrs, so picking up my daughter or getting up and down was slightly sore, but not awful.
They let my partner in for the procedure, so if you can bring someone they will let you, but the reception staff said no initially, and then the doctor sent for him once I was in the room (the waiting area is just too busy for everyone to have a partner and socially distance).

The actual procedure is very quick maybe 10 minutes in prepping and finding the right spot and the needle was in for maybe sixty seconds. I was there for around 5 hours but only because they did detailed scans and waited for some bloods to come back etc. I would really make it a priority that you get someone to take you home, it’s recommended that you rest after to reduce the risk of any complications. I was very very emotional aswell, the waiting after is the hardest I didn’t eat, didn’t sleep but thankfully we got the all clear for chromosome conditions after a high NT. I go back to kings tomorrow for baby’s cardiac scan and all the worrying anxious feelings have come rushing back so I understand how you feel and you just have to try and keep calm for baby and appreciate that your odds of having a healthy baby are still good!

Thank you all for your helpful comments. Sorry and Nast question. How long did you wait for results ? And was it a call for both good/bad news ? I'm booked for this Friday and partner will be with me.

Good luck, I’m glad your partner can attend. I got my results last week in 48hrs but they said it could be 3 days.

At Kings they say it can be up to five business days. I had mine done on a Thursday (late in the afternoon though) and had results the following Tuesday morning. The wait was agonising. It’s then up to another ten business days for the full chromosome report which again I got another call for and then report sent out in the post. I believe you get a call whatever the news

Thanks for all your comments. I had the CVS this morning, Kings at Denmark Hill is super smart ! The procedure was no where near as painful as I anticipated. I've had epidural and c section before (twice) and for some reason anticipated pain on that level, so the CVS was nothing in comparison. The staff were all great and partner was allowed in. Now for the wait!