Amniocentisis or CVS

Hi H.,
I am a high risk ob nurse and just thought I would throw my 2 cents in. It all comes down to if you terminate the pg if there was something not normal with the results. CVS can be done earlier and has higher risks for miscarriage. Amnio can be done later but still has some risks. If you just want to know before delivery you can wait until later on in the pg and reduce the risk of miscarriage. Bleeding, infection and preterm labor/delivery are your higher risks.

I had one done at 16 weeks. I did cramp a bit afterwards but I took it easy for the rest of the day. Other than that I didn't have any problems. They also warn you that yo can spot but I neevr did. I would do it with my next child just to be safe! Good luck!

Hi H.,

I haven't had either one but considered it with my second child since I was 35 at the time and I think the rate of a chromosome problem at that age is around 1 in 250 (not sure of exact number). What I did instead was to have a prescreening that is less invasive than either CVS or amnio. It involves an ultrasound where they measure the thickness of the neck of the baby (or something like that) and do some bloodwork as well. Based on both tests they then give you new probabilities of whether your child has a chromosomal problem or not. In my case my new calculated probabilities went to 1 in 7000 so I decided not to take the added risk of a CVS or ultrasound. A high probability doesn't guarantee the child will not have an issue and a low one doesn't necessarily say your child does have an extra chromosome but is a good screening if you are on the fence about whether to have CVS or amniocentisis or neither and want to understand the risks. If for example your probabilities came back low you could then decide to have the CVS done. I had a friend who had the same screening as I did and they could tell immediately something wasn't right. She then followed up with the CVS testing and they found out her child had 2 or 3 extra chromosomes (can't remember but it was pretty bad). She did end up losing the child but at least she was prepared. Talk to your doctor about the prescreening test. I am not sure insurance will pay for it if you are not 35 or over but maybe they will since your previous child had a chromosomal abnormaility.

I guess it just depends on what you are going to do if the results aren't what you are hoping for. If you are considering terminating the pregnancy, then you should do whatever one can be done the soonest. If you are just doing it so you have info and can be prepared then you should do whatever is safest. I guess if there is a risk of miscarriage you would probably want to do it sooner so that it wouldn't be as traumatic to you and you body. If the rate of complications were high I don't think people would be doing them anymore.
I didn't do any of these tests when pregnant because I wouldn't terminate anyways. My second child was born with Angelman Syndrome and is completely handicapped and she's the best thing that ever happened to our family. I think the stress of it would be worse for me and my pregnancy so I'd rather find out when the child is born.
Best Wishes with your decision,
J.
Mom to Ainsley 5, Peyton 3 (angelman.org), foster/adopting boys 4 and 1 and soon another Angel daughter age 6, also being adopted.

I had one when I was 36 weeks along and it went really good and really you don't even feel it at all. I also know a few people that had one and nothing has happend to the baby.

Good luck with your decision and I hope this helps you.

Missy B

I had an Amniocentisis with my last child and had no complications what so ever. The doctors are very careful and know what they are doing. Good luck

I have had several amnios during my 6 prengnancies. I never had any problems with any of them, other than some discomfort afterwards. In your situation, I think I would just wait and see what happens and hope you can find something out in an ultrasound at some point.
S.