 |
|
| After
you have completed your reading and browsing simply close this window or
click the button on the bottom of this page and you will return to the
previous page. |
|
 |
Chorionic Villus Sampling
(CVS) is performed between the 9th and 11th week of pregnancy, It
is a test for chromosomal abnormalities. A small amount of placental
tissue is removed from the uterus, using a thin catheter placed through
the cervix with ultrasound guidance. The tissue is then grown
in a culture. The cells are then examined for abnormal chromosomes,
both in the number and for certain enzymes. Cervical cultures for
gonorrhea and chlamydia will be done before a CVS is performed. It
takes about two weeks to obtain results. |
|
|
 You
may be a candidate for CVS if you have had a previous child with Down's
syndrome; will be 35 at the time of delivery; or if you or your partner
are carriers of genetic abnormalities such as Tay-Sachs disease, hemophilia,
or lethal enzyme deficiencies.
The advantage of CVS is
that it is performed very early in pregnancy. If a major genetic
abnormality is detected, the pregnancy can be terminated more safely, if
you desire that option.
The advantage of CVS is
that it is performed very early in pregnancy. If a major genetic
abnormality is detected, the pregnancy can be terminated more safely, if
you desire that option. |
|
| CVS carries a 3 - 5% risk
of miscarriage. There have been reports of limb abnormalities in
babies whose mothers have had CVS done. However, you and your doctor
should decide if the risks outweigh the benefits of this procedure.
CVS should be performed by a highly trained specialist in maternal-fetal
medicine. |
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
THAT MAY HELP:
|
|
|
Return to
|
|
To
Return to the Previous Pregnancy Menu,
Click
the Button and this Window Will Close
OR Visit Other Areas of
this Site by Clicking the Icons
|
|
|
© 1996-99: MJ
Bovo. All rights reserved under US Copyright Law.
|
 |
| Excerpts from:
The Family
Pregnancy © 1995: MJ Bovo, The Family Pregnancy, Second Edition,
currently
in production, and Do You Have Any Questions? © 1995:
MJ Bovo, are contained within this page. Reprints are not permitted under
any circumstances. Please see Terms
of Use for full expanation. Violations of the Copyright Code
are taken seriously and appropriate action IS TAKEN AGAINST VIOLATERS. |
