The concern about genetic problems creates anxiety in the doctor and the pregnant woman from the very beginning of the pregnancy. Screening tests or ultrasonographic examinations performed to eliminate this anxiety do not provide a definitive diagnosis and can sometimes be a source of unnecessary anxiety. If this concern is based on very strong evidence or if one of the prospective parents is a carrier of a known genetic disease, there is a need to obtain information about the genetic structure of the baby early. Since the amnicentesis procedure can be performed in the 16th-19th weeks of pregnancy, the CVS procedure is recommended at an earlier stage.
CVS can be defined as taking a very small sample of the placenta by inserting a thin needle into the abdomen with the help of ultrasound. The placenta is the baby's partner and is in its genetic structure. In other words, the chromosome sequence and genetic structure of the placenta reflect that of the baby. Therefore, the examination of the sample clearly shows us the genetic defects that may be present in the baby. The procedure is usually painless and does not require anesthesia. Small bleedings can be observed after the procedure. It can cause a 1% miscarriage. The experience and competence of the doctor may affect this rate. The results of the procedure are usually obtained in a day or two. However, in cases where rare genetic diseases are investigated, the results may be delayed. Since it is not a test that shows the entire genetic structure, only screening can be done for the suspected genetic disorder. The results are usually definitive. The advantage over amniocentesis is that it can be done early and the results are obtained in a shorter period of time. The disadvantage is that it is a technically more difficult procedure than amniocentesis.
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