Miscarriage rate difference for Amnio or CVS?

[Clare123]

Just wondering if there is a difference between the two rates? Esp. if I am going to go to the Fetal Medicine Centre in London? And if one procedures hurts more or less? Or anything I should consider?

Thanks so, so much.

I found your responses with this subject so helpful.

I believe that there is a 1% chance of m/c following an amnio, not sure about cvs.
Some one in the know should come along soon....

AFAIK the official miscarriage rate for Amnios is less than for CVs, BUT according to DH (who is a cytogeneticist) it varies depending on the number of CVSs the doctors do. For instance because the doctors at Jimmies do a lot and have lots of practise they have a much lower Miscarriage rate (comparable to amnio I believe) - whereas Addenbrookes where he used to work did very few CVS, so the the risk tended to be higher.
Unfortunately I have absolutely no knowledge of the Fetal Medicine Centre being a Yorkshire Donkey.

Thanks so much. I am waiting for the doc to call me back to go through some questions. I still don't really know what to do, at the moment it changes hourly!

Thanks again

My consultant (very senior) told me in her opinion there was no real difference. The rates for CVS seem slightly higher as there is a slightly higher chance of miscarriage anyway earlier in pregnancy. I would choose CVS rather than amnio simply because it can be done earlier and if I needed a termination would rather had it as early as possible. I have not had either though. Good luck.

aloha is right, the main difference is when they can be done (has a big impact eg if you decide on termination). I think there used to be quite a difference between miscarriage rates when CVS was done vaginally, but now they're done abdominally the rates are similar. I've had 2 amnios and it's uncomfortable rather than painful.

I believe that the statistical averages are 1% for amnios and 2% for CVS's. However, I agree with an earlier poster it depends on the experience of the person doing the procedure.

I have had 2 CVS's - at my request as I was in my late 30's - and I wanted to know either way. I was aware of the higher miscarriage rate - but personally would have found it 'easier' to terminate earlier in a pregnancy than later - hence had CVS's - or so I think as it happens I didn't miscarry and now have 2 dd's!

I think the procedures are similar the difference being that CVS takes placental cells and an amnio takes amniotic fluid. HTH

Bundle - I thought CVS's could still be done vaginally but the majority are done abdominally - doesn't it depend on where the placenta is?

Thank you for your replies. I really appreciate you responding.