Amniocentesis & CVS

How can Down Syndrome be Diagnosed?

There are two diagnostic tests that can be performed to confirm whether or not the baby has Down Syndrome or another chromosomal abnormality. Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) are invasive diagnostic procedures that allow testing of fetal chromosomes. They are most commonly used to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome but they can also be used to detect some inherited genetic disorders in high risk families. Both tests have a small risk of miscarriage associated with them.

Amniocentesis

An Amniocentesis is an ultrasound guided procedure in which a small sample of the amniotic fluid is taken from the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac is the fluid-filled bag that surrounds the fetus.

Amniotic fluid contains cells from the fetus that have been shed from the skin, lungs and bladder.

An Amniocentesis can be performed from 15 weeks gestation onwards.

Before the Amniocentesis, an ultrasound examination is performed to:

• Check that the fetal heart beat is clearly seen

• Confirm the due date

• Assess if twins are present

• Localise the placenta and the fetus

• Check whether the fetus looks normal for the gestation

• Check the amount of fluid around the fetus

Other Key Information

Although amniocentesis is a relatively safe procedure, it remains an invasive procedure and has therefore a risk of miscarriage associated with it. Miscarriage after amniocentesis occurs in about one in every 200-400 women tested. Miscarriage, if caused by the procedure, usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.

Temporary leaking of amniotic fluid after amniocentesis occurs occasionally.

A little bit of cramping is normal after the procedure but if severe cramping, bleeding or fluid loss occurs, the doctor who performed the procedure needs to be contacted and will organise an ultrasound to check the pregnancy.

Women with a Rhesus negative blood group are given an injection of anti-D after the procedures. This is to protect a woman with a Rhesus negative blood group from developing antibodies against a fetus whose blood group may be Rhesus positive.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

A CVS is an ultrasound guided procedure in which a small sample of chorionic villi are taken from the placenta. Chorionic villi are small thread-like projections that make up part of the early placenta. The cells of the chorionic villi almost always have the same chromosomes as the fetus.

A CVS is preferably performed between 11 and 14 weeks.

Before the CVS, an ultrasound examination is performed:

• To check that the fetal heart beat is clearly seen

• To confirm the due date

• To assess if twins are present

• To localise the placenta and see whether it is accessible for the test

• To check whether the fetus looks normal for the gestation

The Procedure

The skin is then cleaned with an antiseptic solution and a sterile bag is placed around the ultrasound probe. Under ultrasound guidance local anaesthetic is injected in the skin and the surface of the uterus.
This is the most uncomfortable part of the test. Subsequently, a needle is inserted through the skin of the abdomen and the uterus, into the placenta. This needle remains in place for the duration of the test, usually 1-2 minutes. This is usually not painful. A second, finer needle is passed through the first needle and is used to draw up chorionic villi. Because the first needle remains in place and is used as a guide, a second or third aspiration can be done without any further trauma to the uterus.

After the CVS, the doctor will recheck the fetal movements and heartbeat with ultrasound

Other Key Information

Occasionally, it happens that due to the position of the uterus or the placenta or due to early gestation, the placenta is not safely accessible. The doctor may then suggest another appointment in 1-2 weeks or an amniocentesis as an alternative test in those circumstances. In some centres in this situation, a vaginal CVS may be offered. In our practise transvaginal CVS is no longer performed because of the higher risk of miscarriage associated with this route.

Although a CVS is a relatively safe procedure, it remains an invasive procedure and has therefore a risk of miscarriage associated with it. Miscarriage after CVS occurs in about one in every 100-200 women tested. Miscarriage, if caused by the procedure, usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.

Occasionally transient bleeding occurs after CVS.

A little bit of cramping is normal after the procedure but if severe cramping, bleeding or fluid loss occurs, the doctor who performed the procedure needs to be contacted and will organise an ultrasound to check the pregnancy.

Women with a Rhesus negative blood group are given an injection of anti-D after the procedures. This is to protect a woman with a Rhesus negative blood group from developing antibodies against a fetus whose blood group may be Rhesus positive.

CVS or Amniocentesis? 

The decision to have a CVS or amniocentesis is best made after discussion with your obstetrician and your partner. Both tests have their advantages and disadvantages. The main differences between CVS and amniocentesis are:

CVS

• Done between 11-14 weeks

• Earlier diagnosis

• Slightly more uncomfortable (minimal difference)

• Slightly higher risk of miscarriage associated with the test

Amniocentesis

• Done from 15 weeks onwards

• Later diagnosis

• Less uncomfortable (minimal difference)

• Slightly lower risk of miscarriage associated with the test

If you are uncertain as to whether you should have a prenatal test or which prenatal test you should have, feel free to make an appointment with one of the doctors at Women’s Scan Room for further counselling.