CVS - has anyone had one?

Just wondered if anyone has had a CVS? Have my nuchal fold test mid SEP and may need to get one of these done if the results are low (am 41). Just wondered what it was like. We would have the CVS rather than the amnio because they are twins and want to deduct any problems early on.

Hi Linda, not much help on the CVS, I didn't want to go for the internal test (I'm 38 almost 39 & have been referred for further tests).  My m/w had said to me that if there was any problems and I did choose to terminate that either way was going to have to 'deliver' the same way, and seeing that I had seen the baby at the scan there was no hope of not getting attached.

Maybe your m/w could give you the ph number for the Fetal Medicine Unit, where you would be referred and you could talk to them.

Good luck with the NT scan

Hey all..
I had CVS done both times, first one was after an NT result of about 4mm which is pretty high and resulted in my first baby being Trisomy18 (extra 18 chromazome).
This time round the NT result was quite low (1.6mm) but we were at the specialist and decided to get the CVS done anyway to make sure all was okay, had pretty much decided on this path before we walked in.
This time as we were considered low risk (yehaaaaaa) so had to wait the full 2 weeks to get the result (which was all good!) You can also get some preliminary results done by FSH testing of some of the chromazomes (13,18 &21 i think) after 3 days.
And CVS is done between 11-13 weeks, amnio cannot be done till about 15 weeks (I think?). The tests are different in that they take a sample of the placenta ( altho actually some long name shortened to CVsampling, chlorionic villius i think?) for CVS and a sample of the aminotic fliud for Amnio. Usually there is a slight risk of MC with both (about 0.5-1%), slightly higher with CVS, but that is doc dependent... the doc I had in chch is extremely good and has the same risk level for both.

Phew what an essay...
Linda: It is nerve-racking and bloody scary, but if you do go ahead with cvs, you can have your mind and worries eased a bit, and as a bonus you can also find out the sex too if you want!

Nope, it only picks up chromosomal abormalities.

FAS is only apparent from delivery.

The first time was painful for me, but it is over with quickly: I was very nervous and that probably added to it. I also think the placenta was much lower the first time, so was a bit deeper. The 2nd time was nowhere as bad: less nerves and higher placenta.
So my advice is to try NOT to be nervous!
Impossible I know! The 2nd time we also had it done at NT time as well, as we were with the speciailist and had decided ahead of time that we would do it. I guess that helps to get your mind round it.
The risks of MC are there but low, especially when compared to our age risk (I'm 40). And if one twin does have an issue then you can at least be prepared for it.
Wishing you all the best!!

Anja - I was in the same situation with this pregnancy and it is such a hard decision so I really feel for you! My results were 1/350, 1.3mm nuchel fold, but low PAPP-A and high HCG so my bloods showed a profile consistent with DS. I opted for the an amnio as there was no way I could enjoy my pregnancy not knowing. I gotta admit it was the hardest two weeks ever waiting for the results, but my wee one is chromosonally normal thank goodness. I would definitely do it again as the peace of mind was worth the expense and stress at the time. Also at my 20 week scan they found a soft marker that is present in normal babies but also DS babies so I was extra pleased I'd already had the testing done and didn't have to worry about that. The risk of MC with amnio (sorry don't know much about CVS) is very low, and with an experienced OB it is much much lower than the outdated statistics suggest (due to more experience, smaller needles, refined techniques). The Dr I saw had a MC rate of 1/600 ish... It is an uncomfortable procedure, but very quick and I had no cramping or bleeding or problems after it. Feel free to ask me any questions should you want to. Good luck with making your decision... it is so hard but do try to remember the chances that there is anything wrong are TINY!

hey Anja!
Sorry to hear that you are worried about your test results. Sounds like you are thinking along the lines of further testing? The one thing about NT and the maternal testing is that they are only indicative tests (basically statistical number crunching) as opposed to CVS or amnio which are definative tests: they will give you exact results one way or the other as they test the babies amniotic fluid (amnio) or the chorionic villus (CVS) for the chromazomes... I never know if I spell that right and cant be bothered googling it at present!
I dont know if you have read this thread, but I had very high risk result (1:3 I think) and indeed my first pregnancy had Trisomy 18 (a very low survival rate chromazome disorder), but since then i had CVS again with my eldest son ( I think I posted above) and also amnio with my second boy... both of whom were fine.

I guess all I would say is that, if you are worried then doing the test is something that will tell you for sure, one way or the other.
There is a slight risk (slightly higher for CVS than amnio) but it is dependant on the surgeon. My doc (christchurch, yes & Dr Reid is her name) was really good and did all 3 procedures... i rate her highly.

If they rate you high risk, they can do a quick low level test that will have some basic results in 2-3 days and then full results 2 weeks later. Normal risk tests usually take about 10-14 days.
CVS they do between 11-13 weeks, amnio from about 15 weeks onwards.

It is very scary getting those high risk results, but I agree waiting a couple of weeks to get a good reassurance is far better than being paranoid for the rest of your pregnancy. I can very much understand the crying part... funny how after these few years just reading your post brings it all back! Hang in there and give your wee 2 year old a hug (I have got one of those as well!), and call your doc/MW now and see what they suggest.

She works in the fetal maternal unit at chch womens (I think it is for higher risk pregnant women?), so not sure if she does it privately or not?

I had CVS done at just on 13 weeks the first time I think and just on 12 weeks the 2nd time.