What happens during chorionic villus sampling

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) involves taking a sample of cells from the tissue of the placenta (the 'chorionic villi').

Preparing for CVS

You won't usually need to do anything special to prepare for CVS. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand.

In some cases, you may be advised to avoid going to the toilet for a few hours before the test, because it's sometimes easier to perform whenyour bladder is full. Your doctor or midwife will tell you about this before you attend your appointment.

You may want tobring a partner, friend or family memberfor support when you have the test.

How CVS is performed

CVSis carried out under the continuous guidance of an Ultrasound scan . This isto make sure nothing enters the amniotic sac (protective sac that cushions the baby) or touches the baby.

The test can be carried out using two different methods: transabdominal CVSand transcervical CVS.

Transabdominal CVS

Your tummy is first cleaned with antiseptic before a local anaesthetic injection is used to numb it.

Aneedle is then inserted through your skin into the womb. The needle is guided to the placenta using the image on the ultrasound scan.

Attached to the needle is a syringe, which is used to extract a small sample of cells from the chorionic villi. After the sample is removed, the needle is removed.

Transcervical CVS

Asample of cells from the chorionic villi is collected through your cervix (theneck of the womb).

A thin tube attached to a syringe or small forceps are inserted through your vagina and cervix, and guided towards theplacenta using the ultrasound scan.

Which method will be used?

The transabdominal method is preferred in most cases, because it's often easier to carry out.

Transcervical CVS is also more likely to cause vaginal bleeding immediately after the procedure, which occurs in about 1 in every 10 women who have this procedure. There is, however, no difference in the rate of miscarriages between the two methods.

Transcervical CVS may be preferred to transabdominal CVS if it's easier to reach your placenta this way.

Is CVS painful?

CVS is usually described as being uncomfortable, rather than painful.

In most cases, an injection of local anaesthetic will be given before transabdominal CVS to numb the area where the needle is inserted, although you may have a sore tummy afterwards.

Transcervical CVS feels similar to a cervical screening test.

How long does it take?

The procedure usually takes around 10 minutes to perform.

Afterwards, you will be monitored for up to an hour, in case the test causes any side effects, such as heavy bleeding. You can then go home to rest.

It's a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you might not feel up to it yourself.

Recovering after CVS

After CVS, it's normal to have cramps similar to period pain and light vaginal bleeding called "spotting" for a day or two. You can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol (but not ibuprofen or aspirin) if you experience any discomfort.

You may wish to avoid any strenuous activity for the rest of the day.

Contact your midwife or the hospital where the procedure was carried out for advice as soon as possible if you develop any of the following symptoms after the procedure:

• persistent or severe pain
• a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or more
• chills or shivering
• heavy vaginal bleeding
• dischargeof clear fluid from the vagina
• contractions

Getting the results

The first results should be available within a few days, and this will tell you whether a major chromosome problem has been discovered.

If rarer conditions are also being tested for, it can take two to three weeks or more for the results to come back.

You can usually choose whether to get the results over the phone or during a face-to-face meeting at the hospital or at home.

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