Would you like to know if the baby in your uterus is healthy?
If you are like most women, your answer will be "yes."
As you may already know, there are numerous tests
that can be done during pregnancy to check for
abnormalities. Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling
are two of these tests, whose main purpose is to
diagnose genetic or chromosomal defects, but can also
provide other valuable information, such as paternity results.
These two tests are used for mothers who are at risk for
carrying a fetus with a congenital birth defect. This
includes women over 35, women with a history of
miscarriages or birth defects, and women with a family history
of genetic disease.
You may have never heard of amniocentesis or
chorionich villus sampling, or you may only have a general
idea of what's involved. Hopefully this information can
help you to be prepared and comfortable if the need
should arise for you to have either of these tests done.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is normally performed in the second
trimester, between the 15th and the 18th week of
pregnancy. Using an ultrasound as a guide, the health care
provider inserts a long needle into the abdomen of the
mother and draws out a small amount of amniotic fluid.
This test is more than 99% accurate in diagnosing
chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome and
Edward's syndrome. Unfortunately, there is a small risk of
miscarriage of about 0.5%-1% (1 or 2 cases out of 200).
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Chorionic Villus Sampling is normally performed in the
first trimester, between the 10th and 12th week of
pregnancy. Using an ultrasound as a guide, the health care
provider inserts a long, thin tube into the vagina and
through the cervix and removes a small amount of
chorionic villus from the outside of the sac where the
baby develops. Unfortunately, this procedure has a
slightly higher risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis of
about 1%-3% (1-3 cases out of 100)
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