An examination of all aspects of chorionic villus sampling including the risks associated with it is only one of several factors to take into account while undergoing the procedure. The test as such offers great benefits in identifying genetic abnormalities in the fetus. Let’s learn more about the CVS procedure in this blog.

Is chorionic villus sampling a safe procedure?

Chorionic villus sampling is a well-established and safe method of performing early diagnostic prenatal genetic testing. With a skilled provider and the advancement of ultrasound, complications are kept to a minimum. The results of a chorionic villus sampling can assist families in making informed pregnancy decisions.

What are the risks of chorionic villus sampling?

Miscarriage – Miscarriage is the most severe misconception of CVS. But it is to be remembered that the risk of the fetus dying later in the pregnancy or after birth is never increased by CVS. The risk of miscarriage from CVS is extremely low (less than 1 in 100).

Bleeding – Some vaginal spotting following CVS is typical. Small amounts of fetal blood may enter your bloodstream as a result of CVS. But if you have an Rh-negative blood type, this could lead to complications in subsequent pregnancies (eg, O-negative). After the procedure, your healthcare provider will give you a shot of something called Rh(D) immune globulin to help prevent this complication if you have an Rh-negative blood type.

Repeat testing — Some people who have undergone a CVS will require an amniocentesis or another CVS. This may occur if your initial test results are murky, if the cells do not proliferate in the lab, or if insufficient tissue was collected.

Can CVS testing cause miscarriage?

Another critical consideration that is most applied with CVS sampling is the risk of miscarriage, which has been linked to 0.5%-1.0% of CVS procedures.

Prospective parents who are considering CVS should be counseled on the benefits and risks of these procedures. The counselor should also go over the mother’s and father’s risk(s) of passing on genetic abnormalities to the fetus.

Can CVS cause birth defects?

Not really. But in some cases, limb reduction defects and oromandibular hypogenesis have been described as risks of chorionic villus sampling. These complications have been linked to early CVS, prior to 10 weeks gestation.

Up to 32% of women have reported vaginal spotting, which is more common after transcervical CVS. The reported incidence of culture failure, amniotic fluid leakage, or infection following CVS is less than 0.5%.

What is more dangerous CVS or amniocentesis?

New parents frequently choose between CVS and amniocentesis when considering prenatal testing (often referred to as amnio). Both procedures are thought to be equally safe and involve the removal of tissue from the womb.

When testing for chromosomal abnormalities caused by advanced maternal age, CVS may be more acceptable to some women than amniocentesis due to the psychological and medical benefits of earlier abnormality detection provided by CVS.

At 17-19 weeks gestation, when abnormalities are detected by amniocentesis, fetal movement is usually felt and uterine growth is visible; as a result, deciding what to do if an abnormality is discovered at this time may be more difficult psychologically. The use of CVS to detect chromosomal abnormalities during the first trimester allows a prospective parent to make this decision sooner than amniocentesis.

However, the risks of chorionic villus sampling are similar to those of amniocentesis and include pregnancy loss, bleeding, infection, membrane rupture, and inconclusive results.

What to expect from fetal medicine experts at Jammi Scans?

Fetal medicine experts at Jammi Scans give you individualized counseling about the procedure indications and limitations of prenatal testing before you take it up. As parents, you will clearly be briefed about the risk of passing on genetic abnormalities based on factors such as maternal age, race, and family history. Call us to book your appointment now!

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