CVS vs. Amnio

[Anonymous]

I had my first at 38.5 with an amnio and no problems. Now, at 41.5, I have to decide if I want a cvs or amnio. I'm worried about waiting longer but if the nt test is fine, do I need the cvs? I'm looking for a compelling reason to do the cvs. All I see is to find out earlier. Is a 16 wk termination that different than a 12 week one (hopefully not necessary)? I think the amnio results are wider ranging ie cvs can't tell you about certain defects. Is that true?

[Anonymous]

My OB recommended the CVS (I am 35) because it's earlier so IF god forbid something is wrong its much easier to address (you don't have to do a D&C and easier to find a Dr to help--at the point of amnio, drs who will get involved are MUCH more limited).

Also, I did CVS even with a 'fine' nuchal. Nuchal is not a 'for sure' thing. It's just a diagnostic.

If you KNOW you are going to do an amnio anyway, I'd consider a CVS.

Also, if you would not terminate pregnancy under any situation, don't bother with the CVS....wait for the amnio to get information that might help you prepare for baby. Doing the CVS at 10-12 weeks only really has a benefit because there are a few extra weeks baked in so that you would terminate in first trimester vs. second. If you would not terminate anyway, the few extra weeks won't matter as you will still have many months to prepare for the pending arrival based on what you learn.

Not nice things to think of but that's how my Dr. explained.

[Anonymous]

Another thing to consider is how you would feel if you miscarry after either genetic test. Friend of mine in mid-40s had CVS, miscarried, never able to get pregnant again. Although a pregnancy at 41.5 is riskier from a genetic risk of problems, it is also more precious as in harder to achieve again.

[Anonymous]

Yes a 16 week termination is a lot different than a 12 week - not sure what info PP got but if you terminate at 12 wks you absolutely get a D & C - I had a m/c around then and there was no other option, there is too much material to terminate safely any other way, you can't take a pill or let it bleed out. At 16 wks, your termination options are more limited and I understand it goes to a 2 day procedure. If you think you would terminate and are somewhat concerned, based on your age, I'd go with the CVS.

[Anonymous]

CVS can happen as early as 10 weeks which according to my OB is no D&C. Not sure if she was misinformed or not but she clearly stated that as one of her reasons...

[Anonymous]

What I did at age 40 was the NT test and bloodwork to decide. If those tests were bad (which i was prepared for since I had a horrible false positive experience previous pregnancy) then I was going to do CVS. Mine turned out to slightly lower my risk so I waited and did the amnio as early as they would let me.

Downside of CVS is that it is more risky and also doesn't check for neural tube defects. So if you just do the CVS you will have to do the AFP test later which also has alot of false positives. Amnio covers it all.