CVS & amniocentesis

If more fetal monitoring is needed than what can be revealed by an ultrasound, Novant Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine offers both chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis procedures.

Chorionic villus sampling

Often referred to as a CVS, chorionic villus sampling is a procedure in which a small biopsy is taken from the placenta and sent to a laboratory for evaluation. This procedure is typically performed between 10 and 13 weeks gestation.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the amniotic sac and sent to a laboratory for evaluation. This procedure is typically performed after 15 weeks gestation.

Reasons testing might be offered

There are many reasons why CVS or amniocentesis procedures are performed. Here are some of the most common:

In cases of increased risk of chromosomal abnormality

When maternal age, a positive screening test or ultrasound findings indicate increased risks of chromosomal abnormalities, these tests can further evaluate those concerns.

In cases of increased risk of genetic disorders

Factors including Askenazi Jewish heritage, Cajun heritage, or positive cystic fibrosis (CF) testing or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) testing in parent(s) can increase a fetus's risk of genetic disorders.

If there is a family history of genetic disorders

If either parent has close relatives with genetic disorders, testing can determine an unborn baby's risk of having many genetic disorders.

If there is a presence of abnormal antibodies in the mother's blood

These antibodies are often discovered during routine blood tests and can affect the development of an unborn baby.

In cases where ultrasound findings suggest a fetal infection

Viruses including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and toxoplasmosis can affect the development of an unborn baby.

If there is a question of paternity

If paternity is not known or is not certain, these procedures can identify the father of the baby.