Choosing to have a Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can be a tough and stressful decision. However, the majority of women with CVS will have a normal outcome.

That is, the infant will not have the genetic issue that the test was designed to detect.

However, before you go through CVS, you should carefully consider what impact an abnormal test result would make on you.

How is it likely to influence your decision about whether or not to continue the pregnancy? This post will discuss what to do if your CVS is positive.

What is detected in CVS? What do CVS results tell you?

CVS is a prenatal diagnostic test used to determine whether a baby has a chromosomal defect such as Down Syndrome, Trisomy 13, 18, and other chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner Syndrome.

The test can detect certain problems but cannot assess their severity.

Hundreds of genetic illnesses exist, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and Tay-Sachs disease. The test does not search for all of them automatically, but if your baby is at high risk for one or more of these problems, your doctor can request that the test findings show whether he has the disease.

Usually carried out by experts, a CVS test result can reveal if a baby has an additional chromosome or a missing or damaged chromosome. These chromosomal variations can result in major health issues.

What happens if Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is positive?

Once you have the results, and if they indicate a problem, you must decide what is best for you and your kid. This could be a difficult decision. You might find it useful to discuss your concerns with:

• Your primary care physician
  
• A gynecologist who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth (an obstetrician)
  
• A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children (a pediatrician)
  
• A genetic expert
  
• A consultant (a counselor)
  

You may also want to discuss your concerns with your partner or family.

If you believe abortion is the best choice for you, there is still time if a CVS reveals an anomaly. CVS has the advantage of providing results earlier in the pregnancy. The type of abortion you are provided is determined by how many weeks you are pregnant when you decide to terminate the pregnancy.

Because CVS is performed so early, if this is your choice, you will most likely only require a minor surgical procedure to end the pregnancy and will not need to have your labor induced. If you have an amniocentesis (which is done later in pregnancy) and decide to terminate the pregnancy, you may be forced to have induced labor.

However, the sort of abortion you choose will be determined by how many weeks pregnant you are when you decide to terminate the pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor or fetal medicine specialist about it.

Similarly, if the CVS findings indicate an issue, you may choose to continue with the pregnancy. With the results in hand, you may begin to plan for the delivery and care of your kid, who is likely to have unique requirements. 

Your infant may require immediate special care or surgery after birth. Knowing ahead of time that your baby has a certain issue allows you to arrange to give birth in a hospital with all of the necessary facilities.

In rare cases, CVS may reveal that the infant has a curable problem. There is a chance that treatment can be administered while the kid is still in your womb (uterus).

Does CVS have a higher risk of miscarriage?

Yes, miscarriage is one of the main risks connected with this test. But now since doctors analyze information through a statistical lens, the possibilities are reduced. This will always provide you peace of mind regarding the test’s security. Infection and normal Rh Sensitization are two additional minor risks. Additionally, CVS still has a 1% possibility of returning a false positive.

Anomalies of the developing baby’s limbs

Concerns were raised in the 1990s after tiny research found that five newborns had limb deformities such as missing fingers and toes after their mother had CVS. However, in all cases, CVS was performed before the 10th week of pregnancy.

Nonetheless, CVS before the 10th week of pregnancy is no longer advised. This is also because CVS is more difficult to perform at this time of pregnancy.

Rhesus sickness in a developing child

If you have a rhesus-negative blood group and the baby has a rhesus-positive blood group, you may produce tiny proteins called antibodies against the baby’s blood cells following CVS.

These antibodies can assault the baby’s red blood cells, causing rhesus disease. So, if you are rhesus negative, you will be advised to undergo an anti-D immunoglobulin injection following CVS to assist prevent this.

If you receive CVS from reputable medical facilities like Jammi Scans, there is absolutely no risk. You can also inquire with the doctor about it to determine their knowledge and experience. Contact our team now.

Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans