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Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

What exactly do diagnostic tests like CVS and amniocentesis look for? Do I need to have these tests?

Re: What exactly do diagnostic tests like CVS and amniocentesis look for? Do I need to have these tests?

The Bump Expert

Both amniocentesis and CVS (chorionic villussampling) are diagnostic tests for chromosomal and genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis. Amnio also can detect neural tube defects such as spina bifida. About two or three of every hundred babies is born with such a defect, and most occur in the first three months of gestation. Because of the slightly increased miscarriage risk (more about this later), neither test is offered routinely. But, if your baby is at increased risk of chromosomal or genetic defects or earlier screenings suggest potential problems, expect to discuss the option of testing with your doc.

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Your pregnancy and birth. 4th ed. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2005.

Paula Kashtan | May 26 , 2009 3:24 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

Our doctor said there is a risk involved with an amniocentesis. I think we're going to avoid it.

mdurwin | July 31 , 2008 3:59 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

My husband and I have decided against prenatal testing outside of U/S. We're low-risk for genetic factors and have had healthy children. We also have no intention of ending the pregnancy over a problem with our child and don't feel like it is worth the risk of miscarriage or that I need to be poked at anymore! :)

kc28wa | September 15 , 2008 4:23 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

When do I need to have these tests? I would like to have them.

WeddingInGreece2008 | October 11 , 2008 1:36 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

With my 1st child and with this pregnancy, I will not have the testing done. My family is totally pro-life and no matter what the tests said, our pro-life decisions would not change, one bit. Every chile is a blessing from God!

Blessed by God! | October 20 , 2008 11:59 AM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

I think CVS is only necessary if you are high risk. I would still do the first trimester and second trimester screening though (even if you are not high risk). I am planning on sequential screening. That gives a result after the first trimester screening with NT and blood work.We don't have any known family risks, but just knowing will be helpful. A lot of people think "why test if you are not going to do anything about it", but I would do something. I would not terminate, but I would prepare myself with knowledge and help in my community to bring a special needs child into the world.

jjbalady | November 24 , 2008 12:18 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

I completely agree with Blessed by God!'s comment! The CVS/amnio tests are not nessecary! They carry a lot of risks to the baby. Why would you put yourself and your baby through that? If God forbid there is something wrong what difference will it make? You will still love that baby with all your heart and soul.

Ceci_Momma | December 28 , 2008 3:30 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

Special needs children require a lot of extra care and money. This continues well into adulthood. Some people do not have the financial stability to take care of a child for 50 years. It also takes so much strength for parents to do this. Down syndrome is not just mental; most children with down syndrome also have problems that put them in pain and force them to have surgeries. I don't think I could handle knowing that I could have stopped my child from being in pain. However, I don't think I will get the CVS/amnio because I am young enough to not have much of a risk.

jexxie | January 23 , 2009 8:41 AM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

Great feed back! I'm going around and around on this one. We are high risk (paternal mental retardation) but know that we wouldn't terminate the pregnancy regardless. Jexxie is dead on about the responsibility and cost of special needs (we know first hand from my sister in law). It's hard to weigh the the benefit of being able to prepare ourselves both mentally and financially before the baby arrives against the risk of miscarriage. So... no final decision yet.

aubsak | February 09 , 2009 8:41 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

I had an amnio with my first pregnancy and I will never do it again. There are other ways. I am having a 3D ultra sound done this time to test for chromosomal defects and abnormalities . When I had the amnio done, not only was it extremely painful but I was terrified by the 7 inch needle. They also hit my son with the end of the needle on the arm and he jumped so harm that it scratched him. I WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!! NEVER!

jssinklb | February 09 , 2009 11:31 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

My fiance and I are considering the tests. I am unsure of the risks in our genes but we feel in the situation we are in, it would be best to know and if needed, be prepared. My Mom runs a company that does day/night excursions and events for disabled ppl from DS to MS to Autism. We know the costs and life changes that accompany disabled children. I think it would both beneficial for our child and for us as parents to know.

TeamTejeda | February 10 , 2009 1:47 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

These tests are available not just for you to make a abortion decision, if something may be wrong. You need to be prepared if there is such a problem. Having a child with a disability will take special precautions you need to prepare for long before you bring your baby home. Consider the welfare of your child, and make the right decision.

acg92207 | February 13 , 2009 4:43 AM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

Is CVS necessary? This is my 3rd child. My other children are healthy and I'm still very young. I don't have insuance and must pay for everything up front. I was told these tests are extremely expensive. Any advice?

Sanderson0506 | February 23 , 2009 6:49 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

OK! I NEED HELP! I just posted a question about CVS and how I have no insurance and must pay for EVERYTHING! Neither myself or my husband have insurance through our work, and medicaid denied us due to "high income" which our income really isn't that high. No individual ins. company's will take me b/c of "pre-existing pregnancy" Any advice? This situation has put A LOT of stress on me. PLEASE HELP!

Sanderson0506 | February 23 , 2009 7:00 PM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

I guess I would talk to your doctor about whether or not you should have those extra tests done. If they think that you are in fine health, and there is no history of any of these disabilities in your past, then she may tell you to forgo it, I don't know. I would relax at the moment, you aren't doing yourself any favors by getting worked up about this!! :)

OSUtiff | March 03 , 2009 7:57 AM

re: Q: Why CVS/amnio?

One other comment in regards to why you would want to know...my doctor mentioned that it is important for the hospital to know before you give birth so that they can have the right people of staff for your delivery. Many downs babies have cardiac problems and it is good to have a specialist on immediately after birth...so it is not only to be mentally prepared as parents, but for the hospitals to be able to give your baby the best care possible.

ms.andrea | April 21 , 2009 9:23 AM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

Me and my husband just found out we have to do a cvs test bc of extra liqiuid that maybe in the babies neck.......i rather find out now if there is something wrong with the baby! I am keepin my child no matter what...I just want to be prepared and I am also pro-life-I'm catholic! Miscarriage is 1/2000 it is rare, just like down symdrome like my baby may have. We are both healthly and never did drugs...I just don't undersand...I'm so upset-never had anything wrong wit me, even conceiving!

phantomgirlie15 | July 29 , 2009 6:46 AM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

Having the tests is you and the baby's father decision, no one else's. The way my doctor explained is that about 50% of women at age 30 get the tests so they can be as informed as they can be. The other 50% do not get the tests because the tests will not show you 100% that there is something wrong, and the decision to terminate the pregnancy is then a gamble.

alhartt | August 04 , 2009 3:04 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

My husband and I think there is just too much risk involved and besides we will love this baby no matter what!!

Tamtam1014 | August 05 , 2009 2:42 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I have to agree with a few of the previous comments, if you are t high risk, having the test done will help not only you, but your doctors and hospital be prepared for the birth. I know I would feel a lot better if there were the right type of doctors on hand in that case

bobswife417 | August 07 , 2009 3:53 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I'm not sure I'd go as far as the amnio, but the CVS test is a simple blood test. I was not planning to have this test done, but when I went to the doctor, he explained it as, if you find out your child has Downs Syndrome or Cystic Fibrosis, you can plan for it. There are a lot of resources/support groups that can provide a lot of information so that you are better prepared when the baby arrives.

KristinB2009 | August 12 , 2009 6:11 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I am 11 weeks pregnant with twins. My doctor suggested I have a nuchal translucency test done. She explained it is not painful like the Amnio or CVS and doesn't carry the risk that those test do. If I had to do a CVS or an Amnio I would pass on it because of the risks, but this nuchal translucency test sounds ok. Even if they found something wrong with the babies I would never choose to abort, but it is nice to know what to expect.

lillove7 | August 19 , 2009 8:50 AM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

Who CARES?! No matter what the child looks like or acts like - we're welcoming him/her as a gift from God... special needs or not! Children are such precious gifs! Who are we to say whether or not they deserve to live?? I understand the desire to be prepared for what's coming, but a mom and dad can be alerted of abnormalities later on in pregnancy through less-risky procedures through mere observation and simpler testing. This question should be removed from the checklist...

mkroupa | August 26 , 2009 12:37 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

we're entirely pro-life as well, but we're scheduled to have an amino done next week because we're mid risk. i think it's important that as parents, we do everything possible to prepare for our baby before his/her arrival. special needs children need a lot of extra care and support and being completely unprepared and uneducated about the resources out there that could potentially help our baby in the future is just not something i'm okay with. i think the better informed we are, the better we can prepare and help our little one, should we find anything "wrong" from the amnio..

jpkim33 | September 19 , 2009 10:47 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

Problem is it only give you a probability that there might be something wrong. I don't need to worry that there MIGHT be a problem. My husband and I are strong we can handle a problem when it is clearly laid on the table and the matter of "possibly" is put to the side. My step sister was told by three doctors to abort her daughter because there was a high probablity that something was wrong. She went with her gut and when her daughter was born she was a perfectly healthy baby.

jennifermstjohn | September 24 , 2009 3:48 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

how about sequential screening? is that different testing?

EllePost | October 02 , 2009 8:36 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I had CVS done last week (11th week), as I am 40 and either CVS or amnio is recommended if you are concerned with birth defects for those 35 or over. And I think it's important for people to know about it as an option for testing, as not everyone feels that having a child with severe birth defects is something they can handle. The advantage of CVS is it is done far earlier in the pregnancy than amnio (which you can't have till I think around 16 to 18 weeks) so that if there's a problem you know months earlier. It really wasn't bad at all. So beware of all the horror stories. But of course you should only go to one of the top docs, as otherwise it is riskier for miscarriage than amnio. Dr. John Williams at Cedar-Sinai in Los Angeles is who I used. He's the top doc among 5 in the country who has done over 20,000 of the procedures. The risk of miscarriage with him is the same as amnio and far below the national average quoted everywhere. Waiting for the results....

alisonhs | October 02 , 2009 11:56 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I care! If my baby was found to have Down's, I would terminate. I think it's irresponsible to bring a child into the world knowing they will require lifelong care. However, that is just my opinion, and I respect the opinions of other people. After all, it's your body and your baby.

pcakers | October 04 , 2009 8:16 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I just had my first visit with my Doctor and she mentioned about this prescreening test. It was based on an ultrasound and blood work and is conducted at about 10 weeks. My Brother and Sister in law had this done with my neice, the test came back showing some markers for down syndrome- they were very upset and stressed out until they recieved the results of the amnio. Turns out the first test was false and in fact the baby was perfectly healthy. Apparently these tests frequently have false results, knowing that I am not going to bother with the test. Just my thoughts....

Tulips21 | October 06 , 2009 10:25 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I understand that having these tests done are both a sensitive and personal decision. However, as this is my first pregnancy, I appreciate that this website has all of this information available and don't think it should be taken off the checklist. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and shouldn't be judged for their decisions. Not everyone believes in god or religion and this isn't a religious-based website.

nicole9791 | October 08 , 2009 8:38 AM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I hate to say it, but a few months during pregnancy is not going to prepare you for the roller coaster of raising a child with a disability. Nothing can prepare you for that except personal experience. I don't believe in this testing. If you find out something is wrong with the baby, all you do is worry for the next several months, and that's not good for you or the baby. You just have to take life as it comes. Be prepared and learn about possible difficulties, and if your baby is born normal, then great, and if your baby is born with a problem, then you have the knowledge to understand the issues. But nothing will really prepare you for all you'll go through with a disabled child. It is wonderful and heartbreaking all at once, but I wouldn't have it any other way. All children, including those with disabilities, are unique and wonderful, and you will love and cherish that baby no matter what. Every baby deserves a chance to live.

MTClaire | October 16 , 2009 8:37 AM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I agree with the posters about our child being a gift from God and would never terminate for any reason. I work with special needs children and can imagine how hard it would be to raise one but they are so lovable and add so much to life. I pray that I won't know this hardship, but if I do, I have no doubt that we will love him or her with all our heart anyway. Plus, my doctor said there's a chance of a false positive and I would not want the added anxiety if it were untrue that the child had special needs.

jgoetz1 | October 24 , 2009 2:53 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

We have decided against having CVS/amniocentesis testing due to the fact that my pregancy is already high risk and wouldn't want to do anything invasive that could jeopordize the life of my unborn baby. Our feelings are that the only reason to get testing would be to make necessary preparations and training on how to care for our special needs child. We will be able to love this baby no matter what guided with the strength of God

boopbabs | December 01 , 2009 12:01 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I had the amnio test done with my first son through my blood and will again with this baby. My husbands uncle had down syndrome and we just wanted to know whether we would have to prepare extra things before the baby came or not. My son did not end up with it and we would have never terminated our pregnancy becuse of it, but we were just taking extra precautions because it is a lot harder to take care of somebody that has down syndrome.

evansmom1 | December 11 , 2009 9:12 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

I have a question. Is there a difference between "screening" and "testing"? Isn't there an initial blood test done for both the CVS and Amnio? I was faced with the question of these tests during my first prenatal appt and my husband and I have talked about this as thoroughly as possible. The ifs ands and buts...its scary but necessary. I am willing to do the blood tests but anything else invasive is out. I'm high risk (I am type 2 diabetic) as it is and had hard enough time TTC - I don't want to risk a miscarriage no matter how low those numbers are. This is definitely a personal decision and I respect everyone's opinion if they chose to or not, to terminate because of whatever or not. Only you and your partner know what you can and cannot handle. God Bless.

LOVIE2 | December 18 , 2009 10:16 AM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

Even though im still young, I've decided against the amnio cuz im only under risk for hair lip cleft palllet. i dont believe the risk are worth it for the amnio.

Mama92 | January 06 , 2010 10:38 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

Me and my husband agreed to an ultrasound that would allow us to know if our baby had downs or some sort of birth defect. Is this the same thing as the CVS and Amino testing. My doctor didnt say anything about any risks. We will for sure keep the baby no matter what we just wanted to be prepared in case something could be wrong. Im only 11weeks and I agreed to this ultrasound when I was only 5 weeks and if I remember correctly it was something they would in my 6 or 7 month.

Dancer86 | January 28 , 2010 10:03 PM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

what ever god gives you he knows you can handle it.no matter what

lismommy02 | January 29 , 2010 11:34 AM

Q&A: Why CVS/amnio?

Children are a blessing from the Lord. I don't think anyone should get the CVS. Alot of the time, they are wrong and encourage parents to sometimes abort the child! Why would you take someone's life because they are different. My brother and his wife were very young and very healthy, one a pro athlete. They were definitely not at risk and ended up having twin boys with down syndrome. These boys are God's greatest blessing! They are not in pain, and in fact, they are more happy and beautiful than ever!! It's never going to be easy to raise them, but I look at the progress they have made and what a blessing to know that their parents put their effort in and showed these children the love that every child deserves!!

josling | January 29 , 2010 12:15 PM

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