CVS Testing anyone???

[lilmd]

Is anyone out there considering the CVS test or had it done? If you had it done did you think it was worth it? Did everything turn out ok?

I have had 2 losses and I am so petrified to go through this pregnancy without knowing if the baby is healthy. I know there are risks to the CVS but I also know I have been through a lot already and I want to be prepared if something where wrong....

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. My CVS is scheduled for Friday.. I hope I am doing the right thing!

[LauraLou]

I had CVS testing done. I did it because of my age 38. It went perfectly, no bleeding or any other side effects. I found out the results after one week, that I was having completely healthy boys. I was nervous, I think everyone is, but the piece of mind was worth it for me.

My only advice is to make sure you have a very experienced perinatologist do the procedure, as that will decrease your risk of complications.

Good luck!

[excited-in-la]

I talked to my doctor about CVS today. We are at 9 weeks.

He said they do preliminary testing and neck measurements at 11 weeks and he would only do CVS if there were risk factors. He said that CVS gives extra risks in an IVF pregnancy and we should only do it if we have to.

Good luck!

[bdantonio]

my cousin had the cvs done and was told it was a healthy baby boy and 4 weeks later lost the baby due to infection from the cvs. I do not trust them she is now pg again and due 6/17/09 however she did not do the cvs this time she did an amnio and they did it at 15weeks not 20 but your risks are lower with the amnio then the cvs

[jennywit]

Lilmd-I had the cvs done because my Nt scan bloodwork showed a 1/49% chance of downs-My measurement was normal but the bloodwork wasn't. The cvs had to be done vaginally rather than abdominally because of where the placenta was. Long story short-very uncomfortable-and I did go to a very reputable hospital-Yale new Haven in New Haven CT.-My 11 day old perfect little boy is in my arms right now-The cvs did show that he was fine-but knowing what I know now-I don't think I would have done it-too much of a risk and sooooo many false positives with the NT scan-Did you have the NT scan done & thats why they want you to have the cvs? What was your risk? Jennifer

[lilmd]

I had a scan done with my 1st pregnancy at around 18 weeks... it was abnormal and showed increased risk for downs. I had an amnio done and it came back as a chromosome deletion.. very serious.... within 3 weeks I had to deliver my child still born.. it was the worst experience that I have ever had to endure. In November I was pregnant again.. this time through IVF and the heartbeat stopped between 8 and 9 weeks. I had to have a D&C because I wasn't miscarrying... they did a chromosome test and this time there was a trisomy... that is not compatable with life... they said it is the most common reason for 1st trimester miscarriage. My husband and I have both been tested and we are fine so both of these are fluky type things but potentially has to do with egg quality and my age I would guess. I am 35... I really feel like I will be hiding from my pregnancy the entire time if I don't have some reassurances up front. I met with the perinatologist 2 weeks ago and he is Hopkins trained... he does between 50 and 75 year and says that is considered a high volume. I do know there are risks but I am really hoping this time I am on the upside of the statistics. I thought about just doing the scan but I have read over and over how they are not confirmation that everything is ok or not ok and are much less accurate than a CVS or amnio.

Thanks for the feedback...

[jennywit]

Lilmd-your story would make me change my mind & do the cvs too. Sorry for all the issues that you have had. I think the most important thing is to have a well trained person doing it. Hopkins trained sounds great to me. Good Luck & Lots of Positve Vibes your way that this one is perfect!!!!! Jennifer

[lilmd]

jennywit....

Thanks for your understanding words.... I want to be able to be excited about this pregnancy and with everything that has happened I feel like I have to have some certainties with the health of the baby to be able to move forward with some sanity. I know nothing is certain for the future but at least I will know there are no chromosome problems which seems to keep happening to me. Thanks again...

[bdantonio]

lilmd how far along are you? will they not do a amnio at 15 weeks where you are

[lilmd]

I am 10 weeks 4 days right now. I am sure they would do an amnio but I have to wait over a month to have that done. I really wanted to have peace of mind going into the 2nd trimester hoping that all of this would be behind me. I have still been keepin the news from pretty much everyone waiting until I knew the baby was ok. It is horrible to feel so happy on one hand that you are pregnant and on the other hand being so scared it will be another loss...

[riogirl71]

I had a bad blood test also but held off for the level 2 u/s and baby was fine. After reading your story I would do CVS also. My two cousins have done it, 2x each and everything was fine and their babies were born perfect. One is a doctor and her husband is an OB so she would not do it if she wasn't sure about it. Good luck!

[lilmd]

riogirl....

That is very encouraging! I know I will not change the results one way or the other but I started panicing about the risk with the actual test. I spoke to the genetic counselor yesterday and asked alot of questions about what to expect etc... and she made me feel much better about the process. She said they take the test very serious and if I have ANY concerns at all there is an emergency number to call etc. I should have prelim results on Monday and final results could be as early as next Friday. I am looking forward to putting all of this worry behind me.

Thanks.

[riogirl71]

Please post the results - good luck!!! healthy baby dust for you!

[lilmd]

I wanted to give you guys an update on my CVS. I went on Friday.. (had to wait in waiting room for 45 min. with a full bladder) to get the CVS done. They were VERY nice and walked me through the entire process. I had an ultrasound 1st and was able to see the baby moving all over the place.. it was so exciting. I think that totally distracted me from the procedure. They numbed the area with some sort of injection and then inserted the real needle into my stomach area... it was actually very low.. probably 4 or 5 inches to the left of my belly button and down... They kept the US on the whole time also. I can't really describe what it felt like but it was not what I expected. Apparently they have to pull the needle back and forth in order to get the sample since it is tissue and not fluid. It sort of reminded me of what I have seen in a liposuction procedure.... it was uncomfortable but I just took some deep breaths and knew it would be over soon... and it was. It was like really bad cramping and pressure feeling but doable for that short period of time.
I got the prelim. results today... FINALLY.. they look at the most common chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 and they were all normal. I may get the full results as early as Friday. They also said that the nuchal translucency looked good on Friday which I think is what got me through the weekend. They also said the growth was right on target and the heart rate was 176!!! What I sigh of relief... just waiting now for the full test and I will be shouting from the rooftops!

[Trying for another Angel]

I just had a question for all the ladies on this thread. If they did find something abnormal or they knew that something was for sure wrong with the baby (ie. down syndrome) what would be done? Is there anything they can do? Besdies couseling for the parents I just wonder if there was anything that the baby could be treated for in utero?