How is Chorionic Villus Sampling Administered?
This test is administered by inserting a small tube into the uterus through the cervix. This is usually guided by an ultrasound. The medical practitioner will position the tube between the uterine lining and the chorion (the fetal membrane that will be on the placental side). This can be a little uncomfortable or painful, but should not be excruciating. A sample of the chorionic villi from the placenta is then extracted and taken to a lab to be analyzed for genetic problems. Since the chorionic villi have the same genes as the baby, it is possible to detect such defects through this sampling. CVS is usually done some time between the 10th and 13th week of pregnancy. Who is Chorionic Villus Sampling Recommended For? CVS is generally recommended for women who have had previous pregnancies resulting in a baby with birth defects. It is also recommended for women with a family history of birth defects. Doctors may also suggest undergoing CVS if an earlier prenatal screening test had results
