CVS

This test is performed between gestational ages 11 to 14 weeks. This test is required for pregnant women with the following conditions :

A CVS is considered an alternative to an amniocentesis because it can be done earlier in pregnancy, giving expectant parents more time to receive counselling and to arrive at decisions. Unlike amniocentesis, CVS does not provide information on neural tube defects like spina bifida. The risks of CVS are higher than with amniocentesis, so the risks and benefits of the test must be weighed.

The placenta provides nutrients from the mother to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Chorionic villi are tiny finger-like units in the placenta. They have the same chromosomes and genetic makeup as the fetus. During a CVS, some cells from the chorionic villi are removed using a needle with ultrasound guidance and then tested for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, and fragile X syndrome.

You'll be required to give your consent by signing a form, granting permission to our experts to proceed with the procedure. Prior to signing, carefully review the form and inquire about any unclear aspects. Typically, there are no specific dietary or activity restrictions before undergoing CVS. Inform our experts about any sensitivities or allergies to medications, latex, iodine, tape, as well as local and general anesthetics. Disclose all medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Notify our experts if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are using blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or any other drugs that may affect blood clotting. It might be necessary to discontinue these medications before the procedure. If you are Rh negative, inform our experts. Mixing of blood cells from the mother and baby during CVS could lead to Rh sensitization and breakdown of the baby’s red blood cells. In most cases, prenatal blood tests would have determined your Rh factor. Lab results may be requested before the procedure. Depending on the position of the uterus and placenta, you may or may not be instructed to have a full bladder just before the procedure. This is to facilitate optimal positioning of the uterus. Our experts might have additional specific preparation instructions based on your health condition.

MediScan is a centre of excellence in Fetal Medicine and has a team of experts with over four decades of experience. MediScan’s well trained and caring fetal medicine experts will perform the Scan, ensuring high quality and comfort. They not only perform the Scan but also explain the findings of the Scan very clearly to the patient. They also counsel the patients and guide them in case any abnormal finding is picked up during the Scan.

It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to complete the sample draw.

The procedure has a slightly higher risk compared to amniocentesis, but is still under 1%. Our experienced experts will provide at most care for you and for your baby.

MediScan is an acknowledged centre of excellence in Asia for fetal medicine. They have helped improve standard of care for pregnancies and have pioneered new assessment metrics and tools to determine the normalcy, safety and viability of the pregnancy. This therefore results in accuracy and reliability of its screening and diagnostic services.