I’m pregnant again (yippee!), and am now at the stage of discussing prenatal testing–I’m 39–and I’m researching my options. My OB has brought up the possibility of having a CVS done, which has the advantage of being done earlier. I had an amnio done with a previous pregnancy, and found it fairly traumatic. I don’t like getting stuck, so the idea of a six-inch needle in my abdomen was obviously not a pleasant thought to start with, plus the doctor had trouble getting the needle through the sac, so it took a few jabs, which was quite painful. Now, since my experience with the amnio was rather unpleasant, my reading about the CVS doesn’t make it sound a whole lot more appealing, as it might still involve having a long needle stuck into me, and the trans-vaginal method sounds kind of scary too.
I’m really quite traumatized by the whole idea at this point. Do any of you moms have any experience with having CVS done, or even better, had both procedures? Any advice, feedback, pats on the head…?
I’ve only gone through the amnio procedure so I cannot compare the two but the only problem with my amnio was the baby kicked out the first needle and so I needed to be stuck again.
CVS frightens me because the chance of miscarriage afterwards is greater than with amnio and even that rate frightened me. My amnio was done to ensure lung development for an induction so I wasn’t as worried since I was 37 weeks but I would need a truly compelling reason to have either test done earlier than that.
Have you had the blood profiles done? Does the doctor have any reason besides your age to ask for these tests? Have you had a level 2 ultrasound?
Other than that - Congrats and good luck with whatever you decide.
I suppose it really depends on what you plan to do if the test shows that the child has some abnormality. If you know that you could not deal with a baby who had significant/severe medical anomalies and would choose to terminate the pregnancy, then you might want to try another amnio. If you plan to put the baby up for adoption if he/she has problems or know that you would keep the baby no matter what, then you really have no need for prenatal testing. Is there any history of genetic defects in either of your families? I’d talk with your doctor about your fears on miscarriage and having to be repeatedly poked with the 6 inch needle. Do you feel comfortable asking for somone else to do the procedure, someone with lots of expertise in high risk pregnancies? I would imagine that might help to allay some anxiety if you know the absolute best person available is doing the job. Best Wishes whatever choice you make.
We want to know the results no matter what; even if we decide to continue the pregnancy, we want to be able to be emotionally prepared if the baby does have defects. I’m not so much concerned about the miscarriage risk; my OB has recommended a doctor who is very experienced and has an excellent track record. The trouble with the first amnio was an unusually tough amniotic sac, not so much the doctor.
What I’m most interested in is hearing from anyone who has actually had a CVS done, although of course all support is appreciated.
Sorry, I’ve only had an amnio. CVS really kind of scares me because of the higher risk; I was worried about the amnio too, but the doctor did have a very good record and it went just fine. I guess I don’t have much to say except that unless there’s a pressing reason to have it done early, I’d go for the amnio.