Would you like to know if the baby in your uterus is healthy?
If you are like most women, your answer will be "yes."
As you may already know, there are numerous tests that can be
done during pregnancy to check for abnormalities. Amniocentesis
and Chorionic Villus Sampling are two of these tests, whose main
purpose is to diagnose genetic or chromosomal defects, but can
also provide other valuable information, such as paternity
results.
These two tests are used for mothers who are at risk for
carrying a fetus with a congenital birth defect. This includes
women over 35, women with a history of miscarriages or birth
defects, and women with a family history of genetic disease.
You may have never heard of amniocentesis or chorionich villus
sampling, or you may only have a general idea of what's
involved. Hopefully this information can help you to be prepared
and comfortable if the need should arise for you to have either
of these tests done.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is normally performed in the second trimester,
between the 15th and the 18th week of pregnancy. Using an
ultrasound as a guide, the health care provider inserts a long
needle into the abdomen of the mother and draws out a small
amount of amniotic fluid. This test is more than 99% accurate in
diagnosing chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome and Edward's
syndrome. Unfortunately, there is a small risk of miscarriage of
about 0.5%-1% (1 or 2 cases out of 200).
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Chorionic Villus Sampling is normally performed in the first
trimester, between the 10th and 12th week of pregnancy. Using an
ultrasound as a guide, the health care provider inserts a long,
thin tube into the vagina and through the cervix and removes a
small amount of chorionic villus from the outside of the sac
where the baby develops. Unfortunately, this procedure has a
slightly higher risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis of about
1%-3% (1-3 cases out of 100)
About the author:
Susan Tanner is a wife and mother of three. She is also the
editor of pregnancy-guide.net. Pregnancy-Guide is an online
community for mothers to find support and valuable information.
Please visit Pregnancy-Guide at
http://www.pregnancy-guide.net
