Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)

Choronic Villi sampling is one of the genetic tests done during pregnancy to screen genetic disorders in babies. Read on to find more about Choronic Villi sampling.Choronic Villi Sampling or CVS is done on pregnant women to screen the baby for genetic problems. Some women have greater risk of forwarding genetic disorders to their children. One of them is pregnant women over 35. It is recommended to go for a genetic counselling before the procedure in which the benefits and risk are properly discussed with both the parents. In this articleWhat is Choronic Villi sampling?Which diseases can be identified with CVS?What are the advantages of CVS over amniocentesis?Which factors that put you at risk of passing on genetic diseases?Risks involved in Choronic Villi samplingCVS testing is not recommended forSide effects of the procedureWhat is Choronic Villi sampling?Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS) is a test that gives a complete picture of the genetic makeup of the developing foetus. This procedure involves taking a sample of the Chorion, a membrane surrounding the foetus, either via the vagina and cervix, or through a needle inserted in the abdominal wall. Since the sample is taken directly from the foetus, its examination can help in identifying any defects in the baby.Choronic Villi is the tiny finger like projections found in placenta. It has the same cells as that in the baby’s cell. The doctor takes a sample of Choronic Villi cells and sends it for biopsy where these cells are checked for problems. The test is done in late first trimester, usually between 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy.Which diseases can be identified with CVS?CVS is useful in detecting disorders like Tay-Sachs, sickle-cell anaemia, most types of cystic fibrosis, the thalassaemias, and Downs syndrome.What are the advantages of CVS over amniocentesis?The advantage of CVS over amniocentesis is that it can be performed as early as the tenth week of pregnancy and gives results within one or two weeks. Thus, doctors can identify genetic defects earlier on in the pregnancy. As the results of Choronic Villi sampling comes sooner than amniocentesis and it can help you to decide whether you would like to continue with your pregnancy or not and CVS can be performed when enough amniotic fluid is not there. Amniocentesis can only be conducted around the 16th week of pregnancy.Which factors that put you at risk of passing on genetic diseases?Your Age – Although anyone can pass on genetic disorder or have a child with chromosomal abnormality, the risk rises as the age of the mother increases.Your Family History – If you or your husband has chromosomal abnormality or there is family history of any kind of genetic disorder, your child is at augmented risk for genetic problems.Your History – If you were pregnant previously with a genetically abnormal child, there is absolute possibility of the same thing next time.Ultrasound results – If early ultrasound results show that your child has structural defects, it can be linked to a chromosomal problem.Down syndrome screening results – If you had a first trimester screening indicating that your child is at higher risk of Down syndrome or any other chromosomal problem.Risks involved in Choronic Villi samplingHere are some of the risks involves in Choronic Villi Sampling.MiscarriageThere is a risk of miscarriage and statistic show that 1% of chances of miscarriage is there after the procedure of CVS is carried out. This risk percentage is slightly higher than that in carrying out amniocentesis.Defects in fingers and toesRare cases have been reported of having defects in fingers and toes of the newborn due to CVS done.InfectionThough not very common, infection is possible because of the process of Choronic Villi sampling.CVS testing is not recommended forWomen with an active infection, such as any sexually transmitted diseaseMultiple gestationsWomen who had vaginal bleeding during pregnancyWomen who have tilted uterus or uterine fibroidsSide effects of the procedureCramping or moderate to severe belly painLeakage of amniotic fluid through vaginaVaginal bleedingDizzinessChills or feverIn belly procedure, redness or swelling at the part needle was prickedAfter getting the results, some women prefer terminating the pregnancy while some like to continue. It is better to go for further counselling or support.Choronic Villi sampling is a prenatal test done to determine whether the child has any genetic disorder or not. It is good to discuss the treatments of the defect found in the child and weigh the chances of getting cured. Who should undergo Choronic Villi sampling? What are the benefits of getting Choronic Villi sampling done? What are the risks associated with Choronic Villi sampling? Discuss here.