Chorionic villus sampling side effects
All genetic procedures are associated with some risks. The chorionic villus sampling side effects are one. But as parents-to-be do not be clouded with the negatives than the positive benefits the test offers to you and your unborn.
The clarity that the test brings up can assist prospective parents in making decisions that will affect their children’s lives, such as whether to terminate a pregnancy that will result in a stillbirth or severe birth defect or how to get ready for the birth of a child with special needs. We have more related information for you in this blog.
What are the pros and cons of chorionic villus sampling?
It is undeniably true that chorionic villus sampling (CVS) offers more genetic and biochemical data and can be done earlier in pregnancy with quicker results. But CVS does carry a slightly higher risk of harm to the fetus. Therefore, choosing to have the test requires even more responsibility given its higher yield and higher risk.
CVS is typically carried out in the eighth to a twelfth week following the last menstrual cycle. It is most helpful when your doctor needs to make a decision more quickly than amniocentesis can provide.
Even though CVS offers details earlier in pregnancy, depending on the doctor’s level of experience, it also carries a 2 to 4 times higher risk of miscarriage.
Following CVS, vaginal bleeding occurs frequently. Additionally, studies point to a potential rise in the risk of limb deformities, and CVS may result in a reduction in amniotic fluid production. Be open to discussing all probabilities of chorionic villus sampling with your healthcare provider before going ahead with one.
Most common side effects of chorionic villus sampling
Before learning the chorionic villus sampling side effects, it is wise that one should learn about one of the two methods that must be used to perform the CVS procedure: either a needle must be inserted through the abdominal wall or a sample must be taken through the cervix, which is either through transcervical chorionic villus sampling or transabdominal chorionic villus sampling.
Both of these options involve invasive procedures, so CVS entails some dangers. Thankfully, some are rarer and more serious than others. Let us discuss them here.
Cramping: Usually while the sample is being collected for the test and occasionally for a few hours afterward. You can compare the cramps to those you experience during your period.
Bleeding: Following a CVS test, you might experience some spotting, but you shouldn’t experience significant bleeding.
Amniotic fluid leakage risks.
Rare side effects of chorionic villus sampling
Miscarriage: Depending on the type of test used for chorionic villus analysis, there is a slight chance of losing the pregnancy. According to a 2016 study, the miscarriage rate following transabdominal CVS is roughly 2.43 percent, while the pregnancy loss rate following transcervical CVS is 2.76 percent.
Uterine infection: CVS-related miscarriages can occasionally be caused by infection.
Although extremely rare, limb defects in infants are more likely to occur when CVS is performed very early (before 9 weeks).
Rh sensitization: This occurs when the mother’s blood is exposed to some baby blood cells as a result of chorionic villus sampling. If the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is RH-positive (meaning the protein Rh factor is present on the surface of red blood cells), her body may produce antibodies to combat the foreign substance. These antibodies can then pass through the placenta and harm or even kill a developing fetus or newborn.
What happens after chorionic villus sampling? What are the maternal complications after CVS?
It might be suggested that you return home and rest for at least a day. Avoid any strenuous activity. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, you also shouldn’t douche or engage in sexual activity for two weeks following CVS testing.
A few days after your CVS, your doctor might want to perform a follow-up ultrasound to make sure everything appears to be in order.
Dealing with CVS Side Effects
After your CVS, you might experience some spotting or cramping. A small pad can be used to stop bleeding. You might also take an over-the-counter painkiller if your doctor approves. Try using a heating pad or a warm bath to relieve discomfort if you don’t want to take medication.
Although there is a low chance that a CVS test will have any significant side effects, there are some indicators that something could go wrong. Inform your physician as soon as possible if you experience any of these signs:
- bleeding from the cervix (beyond spotting)
- bleeding or fluid drainage from the needle’s insertion site (if you had a transabdominal CVS)
- a leak in the amniotic sac
- a temperature or chills
- significant stomach discomfort or uterine contractions (cramping)
Message from Jammi Scans
The choice to have chorionic villus sampling is entirely yours. While it may be recommended for you, as arents-to-be, choosing it or rejecting is totally your decision. Make sure you get all of the information you need from your healthcare provider in order to make the best decision for you. Call our fetal medicine expert at Jammi Scans now for a one-to-one discussion.
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