The invasive nature of the CVS test irks many pregnant moms. It arouses fear of unpleasantness and pain too. But is the test really painful? Let’s try to understand more in this blog.
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What does the CVS test feel like? Is CVS painful?
CVS is typically described as being unpleasant rather than painful.
In most cases, a local anesthetic injection will be administered prior to transabdominal CVS to numb the area where the needle is inserted, but you may have a sore tummy afterward.
The sensation of transcervical CVS is similar to that of a cervical screening test. Following that, you will be monitored for up to an hour in case of any side effects, such as heavy bleeding. After the CVS test, you can then retire to your home to rest. It’s a good idea to have someone drive you home if you don’t feel like driving yourself.
What are the side effects of the CVS test?
The following are a few CVS side effects, risks, and potential complications of the CVS test;
- Feeling dizzy
- Having abdominal pains that resemble menstrual cramps
- Increased risk of limb defects if the test was performed at nine weeks’ gestation or earlier
- inaccurate test results, estimated at about one percent
- Hemorrhage infection
- Ruptured amniotic sac
- Miscarriages, at one in 100 cases
After CVS, it’s typical to experience cramps that resemble period pain and brief periods of light vaginal bleeding known as spotting.
If you feel any discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (but not aspirin or ibuprofen).
For the rest of the day, you might want to refrain from engaging in any strenuous activities. If you experience any of the following symptoms after the procedure, get in touch with us where it was performed as soon as you can for advice:
Is CVS more painful than amnio?
Anxiety and pain have often been linked to transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (CVS), an invasive procedure for prenatal diagnosis.
These outcomes were both assessed using a visual analog scale 30–60 min before, 5–10 min after, and 30–60 min after CVS.
When comparing the pain levels of Amino and CVS, a study deduces that each procedure is generally tolerable, but with little variations. The Trans-abdominal CVS procedure seems to be the most painful, whereas the Aminocentesis procedure seems to be the least painful.
Does a vaginal CVS hurt?
The procedure is uncomfortable, according to some women. The day after CVS, the majority of women are able to resume their normal activities.
Following CVS, some women experience spotting, bleeding, or cramping. Usually, they vanish effortlessly.
Following a CVS, the following is advised:
- Over 15 pounds cannot be lifted for 24 hours.
- No vigorous activity for 72 hours
- No flying for 72 hours
- 72 hours without any sexual activity
- Every pregnancy has a natural rate of miscarriage
How soon after CVS does a miscarriage occur?
The majority of women who experience a miscarriage as a result of the procedure do so within 72 hours of the procedure. Even though it is extremely unlikely to occur, there is still a chance of miscarriage after this and for up to two weeks after. Any complications are unlikely to be related to the test if there are no issues three weeks after the test.
According to a study, following amniocentesis and CVS, the rates of miscarriage (i.e., spontaneous loss and procedure-related loss) were 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively. The difference in gestational age at the time of the procedures may help to explain this difference.
Wrapping up
The fact that a needle is inserted through the abdomen, uterus, and placenta during the transabdominal procedure like the CVS test can arouse a sense of pain in many. Be open to discussing the pain factor with your healthcare provider before the test to have a stress-free outcome. Contact Jammi Scans now for a hassle-free CVS test procedure.
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