Chorionic Villus Sampling…
Optional Testing During Pregnancy
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
This is the fifth in a series of articles exploring testing procedures available for you and your baby during pregnancy
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a testing procedure performed during the first tri-nester of pregnancy, usually between 10 and 12 weeks gestation. CVS tests for early detection of fetal abnormalities such as muscular dystrophy, genetic mutations, cystic fibrosis, downs syndrome, amino acid disorders, hemophilia, and fetal infection.
Moms who should consider CVS testing include those who already have children with disorders, those who are carriers of inheritable disorders, and those whose health professional otherwise indicate the need.
In order to test for potential problems, a small number of chorionic villus cells must be removed from Mom’ placenta. This can be done in one of three ways; cells can be removed from the abdomen using a long sterile needle, from the vagina, using the same procedure, and finally, from the cervix using a thin catheter. The procedure is carried out in a clinic or hospital setting, with ultrasound equipment used to guide the catheter or needle, depending on which method is chosen.
Risks associated with the above described procedure include; infection, cervical lacerations, damage to your unborn child, miscarriage, and hemorrhage. False positive test results are possible, and as with other pregnancy tests, a normal result does not guarantee a normal baby at birth. Mom and Dad should seriously weigh the benefits versus the risks of this procedure before proceeding.
Knowledge is power! The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be to make decisions regarding your health and the health of your baby. For more information on these and other tests during pregnancy, speak with your health provider. Also, look for more information contained in the Informed Consent Agreement provided by your health professional.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
Optional Testing During Pregnancy
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
This is the fifth in a series of articles exploring testing procedures available for you and your baby during pregnancy
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a testing procedure performed during the first tri-nester of pregnancy, usually between 10 and 12 weeks gestation. CVS tests for early detection of fetal abnormalities such as muscular dystrophy, genetic mutations, cystic fibrosis, downs syndrome, amino acid disorders, hemophilia, and fetal infection.
Moms who should consider CVS testing include those who already have children with disorders, those who are carriers of inheritable disorders, and those whose health professional otherwise indicate the need.
In order to test for potential problems, a small number of chorionic villus cells must be removed from Mom’ placenta. This can be done in one of three ways; cells can be removed from the abdomen using a long sterile needle, from the vagina, using the same procedure, and finally, from the cervix using a thin catheter. The procedure is carried out in a clinic or hospital setting, with ultrasound equipment used to guide the catheter or needle, depending on which method is chosen.
Risks associated with the above described procedure include; infection, cervical lacerations, damage to your unborn child, miscarriage, and hemorrhage. False positive test results are possible, and as with other pregnancy tests, a normal result does not guarantee a normal baby at birth. Mom and Dad should seriously weigh the benefits versus the risks of this procedure before proceeding.
Knowledge is power! The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be to make decisions regarding your health and the health of your baby. For more information on these and other tests during pregnancy, speak with your health provider. Also, look for more information contained in the Informed Consent Agreement provided by your health professional.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
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