CVS vs Amnio

[TokenGinger]

Hello,

Does anybody have any good literature/websites on risks of CVS and amnio? I want to do some research on which carries the highest risk, what the risks are etc. I've done some googling but it's all so overwhelming. I just wondered if anybody had anything they could point me in the direction of which they found useful.

Thank you

Hi - I can’t recommend any sites outside obvious ones like NHS but I didn’t have CVS a few weeks ago so be happy to share experiences of that if it would help? Xxxx

I can tell you about amnio if you would like - not nearly the nightmare I thought it would be.

@le42 @Seniorschoolmum Yes please if you wouldn't mind sharing your stories, that would be really helpful.

We've have the NIPT back and found we're carrying a boy, to which my genetic disorder will be fatal. We're undecided whether to do the testing to check if he has it or not xx

No problem, I’m not sure sure what the difference is between amnio and CVS (other than you have CVS earlier) but certainly I’d say my experience was a positive one.
Our NT measured 4.7mm putting us high risk (my combined bloods also carried a risk), I was expecting them to say 1/4 or something but we came back 1/85.

We were advised by UCLH to have CVS as opposed to any further blood tests (like harmony) as it screens for all abnormalities and gives a positive/negative result. Once we said yes to CVS it happened very quickly. They numbed the area with an injection and a long needle was inserted as I stayed as still as possible. It took them about 3 minutes to get the sample. I was then asked to lie down for 30mins - I was actually bursting for a wee so I got up straight away.

I went home and was told to take it easy the next day. I decided just to chill in bed, even though actually I didn’t feel very bad. It felt like I’d done a core workout the next day. No bleeding or symptoms the next day, just a little bruise on my tummy.

We got the all clear on the results for the main ones (downs Edwards etc) about 5 days later then another 5 days for the full screen.

Really put my mind at ease and no regrets.

Beat of luck to you whatever you decide... sending positive thoughts xxxx

Read Expecting Better by Emily Oster, sure a professor of economics who got into researched all the facts & figures on pregnancy. there’s a section on testing where she goes into both amino & CVS and basically works out the risk is much less than the figures quoted (1/200 etc) which haven’t changed in decades despite great medical advancements. Very interesting. And good luck x

She’s a professor *

I had an amnio because I was an older mum. I was v nervous but the doctor spent a long time before hand explaining exactly what was involved.
I was put on an ultrasound so they had a good view of the baby. The amnio involves a very fine needle being put through into the uterus to draw off some amniotic fluid which is then tested.
When I was first looked at, the baby was lying so his back was up against the wall of my belly with no clear fluid on the side. I was asked to take a walk around the hospital for a few minutes to encourage the baby to move position.
I did this, and baby moved.
The needle was inserted which I didn’t feel at all. I could watch on the scanner screen if I wanted - I didn’t - so I just had to lie very still on my back. The second try, the whole thing took about 6-7 mins.
I was advised to go home, feet up and rest for the rest of the day. The results took 4 days, and gave an absolute all clear.
It was more nervewracking but less uncomfortable than a smear.
That’s all I can remember. I hope that helps.

Sorry you’re having to make this decision. For accurate risk statistics you’re best off speaking to the hospital or doctor that would be performing it and asking for their particular statistics. Knowing where your placenta may influence how straightforward a CVS is, but as a general rule a CVS has a slightly higher risk of miscarriage than an amino. A CVS is usually done before around 14/15 weeks of pregnancy; an amino after that. For an experienced clinician the risks are very low. Another option (depending on the condition) is to wait until after 32 weeks to have the amino. The risk then is premature labour rather than miscarriage, but would still give you the option of termination if it was positive. That option may not be for you at all, just putting it out there as an avenue some people take.

Thank you so much for sharing your stories with me.

I went to the hospital today to see the obstetrician and I felt he was really pushing us to have the testing. They won't be able to do it soon enough for CVS, so it would need to be amnio now for us, I'm just worried about the risk of miscarriage.

I asked for the hospital's rates and he said it's 1.6% for CVS, 1.1% for amnio. I said 1 in a 100 babies is a lot to lose and he didn't think it was. But I'm sure that one mummy who loses it does.

I'm still so torn, but grateful to hear your experiences. Thank you xx

What is your risk for genetic disorders? - how far is it from 1:100?

I read somewhere that many of the babies who unfortunately miscarry likely had genetic disorders that were incompatible with life... I'm trying to find where I read it... but I think the rate of miscarriage with healthy babies is even lower essentially

It is true that many of the 1.1% of babies who are miscarried are the ones who did have a chromosome or genetic abnormality.

My risk is 50/50 of passing it on.

I asked the doctor if the 1% figure includes women who terminated due to the results but it doesn't, but I hadn't considered those who miscarried because of its condition.