CVS Test at Kaiser

I am considering whether to have a CVS test done and the posts in the Advice section seem to be dated and focused on doctors outside the Kaiser system. I am a Kaiser Oakland patient and over-35. I would like to know whether anyone has had a CVS done recently through Kaiser Oakland and what was their experience. Specifically, how did you set up the test (e.g., did you talk to your OB about it and get referred to someone else), how long did the results take, and were you happy with the test. Since Kaiser is such a bureaucracy, some advice on navigating through this system would be helpful. Expecting

You need to find out how long your doctor has been doing CVS and what his/her personal rate of miscarriage is. But if it's possible for you, I would seriously consider doing it with Goldberg. And call for an appointment immediately--I called as soon as I knew I was pregnant.

Finally, a question: How old are you? I was 41 when I was pregnant and even then the chances are only 3% that a baby would have, say, Down Syndrome. CVS isn't generally considered for women under 38 or 39. If you're concerned about Down Syndrome, you can get a nuchal fold screening which is entirely non- invasive and pretty accurate. Also, CVS doesn't screen for tubal defects--you'll have to get a blood test later for those. If you have a specific risk for chromosomal abnormality, however, CVS is a good choice, especially if you know you would terminate. Finding out about the chromosomes so early in the pregnancy was a relief. And waiting for amnio if you're at high risk can be traumatic since you're generally feeling life by then. Good luck and congratulations. Becoming a Mom at this age is amazing. Happy Old Lady Mom

Trisomy 8 Mosaicism result from CVS

Has anyone had this diagnosis resulting from a CVS? Did you go on to do BOTH an amnio and a PUBS test? What was/were the outcome of the tests, and what was the outcome with the baby? We'd appreciate any advice, consolation of comfort that anyone can offer. The doctors seem to have limited info.

I can completely relate to how nervewracking this is for you, and I would recommend doing whatever it takes to help ease your mind. I had my amnio done at CPMC, and the genetic counselor there told me that the main issue with this kind of result is that they are worried about heart problems. So I did a ''level 3''(?) ultrasound at 22 weeks to ensure that there were no visible heart defects, and that was very reassuring for me. At that time the doctor told me not to worry, and that the result was probably ''an artifact'' (possibly meaning that the sample was contaminated, or that the mutation occurred in the lab). He also told me that ''lots of babies with this result grow up to be college professors''. The odds are with you!

I'm sending you lots of good thoughts for a thorough process with results as definitive as they can make them. We had excellent care through the Alta Bates network for all of this. When it was all over, I went out and got myself a midwife so I could experience the less technological aspect of my pregnancy. Take care and feel free to send me e-mail if you want a shoulder. Heather

I would like to hear from people who have had the CVS Test. I am told good things about it since you can take it early in the pregnancy, but at the same time, I am reticent since I've had a miscarriage before (first trimester still makes me nervous). I've had a healthy baby since, and I'm told there's no greater risk for me. I'm also concerned about how it feels and the level of discomfort. I am 35 and healthy (other than feeling queasy every day from being pregnant) and am planning on taking this, so any reassurance would be welcome.

At the time, we really sweated the decision of whether to do the CVS or not, given the SLIGHTLY increased chance of miscarriage, but we had other overriding motivating factors to do it, so we went ahead, and had zero complications, very quick results, and now a beautiful, healthy, happy 18-month-old. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be in good hands. elaine

As far as the pain, etc. associated with CVS; yes it was very uncomfortable, and yes afterwards you are pretty exhausted by it, some women have pain afterwards, I did not. Either way I feel that knowing the results of the test so quickly was well worth it. I am sure you know this but make sure you do the test 10 1/2 weeks through 12 weeks. Good Luck

I got bad news from the second test and I'd like to tell people who are considering the CVS over Amniocentesis that I feel I was so much better off emotionally and had less to deal with physically too than those who found they had to terminate after the latter test. The tiny difference between the two tests in the chance of the CVS causing a miscarriage (and some of that difference could be miscarriages that would have happened anyway) was way worth it to me. It was still heartbreaking and one of my life's most difficult occurances, but in the group I attended later I saw far greater devastation in those who chose amniocentesis. And when the news is good-you have so many fewer weeks to worry! The stories about CVS causing limb abnormalities are still circulating when I think those occured in only one hospital which was doing the tests earlier than they are routinely done now. I was a bit disgusted with the medical people who warned me off CVS still based on outdated research when the success rates are truly great and the benefits also so tremendous. Best of luck to you-I also suffered a miscarriage (before I got to do a CVS) in between my two kids and know how sad that is. Be brave and know that you can handle all that life brings.

Go for experience. The more CVS's or amnios a doctor has done, the better your results (and the lower your miscarriage rate). Miscarriage rates 12 years ago when I had CVS were very low (2.5%).

Don't worry.

Does anyone have any advice about the benefits and/or disadvantages of an amniocentesis as compared to Chorionic Villus Sampling. I'm tempted to get the CVS, but I've never talked to anyone who'se gone throught the procedure. I've heard it has a slightly larger risk procedure. I've heard its has a slightly larger risk of miscarriage and that in the older CVS tests there was also a slight risk of limb deformities. I'm wondering if that's still the case.

I would highly recommend the CVS procedure having done it with my first child. Now that I am pregnant again, I plan to have another CVS test. The test can be done at Week 10-12, with results available in 2 days, as opposed to Week 16 for Amnio with a two-week wait for results. So with CVS you will have the same very important information as much as eight weeks earlier in your pregnancy. That's a big advantage in my book. As far as the procedure itself goes, I found it to be about on par with a pelvic exam in terms of physical discomfort, i.e. very little. The doctor asked me if I would object to having a couple of doctors observe my procedure, which was a little weird but I said okay. My husband was also able to observe.

As far as risk of miscarriage, my OB/GYN had explained to me that the risk was maybe 1 in 100 for CVS versus 1 in 200 for amnio. Since I was referred to a very experienced doc who had pioneered the use of CVS, I felt comfortable in his care. The risk of limb deformities, as I recall, was attributed to inexperienced practitioners and isolated at a few centers where the procedure was done early on, so again, make sure your doctor refers you to someone who is very experienced. Good luck!!

It's a very personal decision, but as a 40 year old single parent to be, I knew I had a higher chance of having a Down's baby and,being alone, that was moreof a challenge than I wanted to take on.For peace of mind, I wanted the test results as early as possible, in case I decided on an abortion, so that's why I ruled out an amnio (which can't be performed until 14 weeks and it can take two weeks to get the results). At CPMC I had the results in one week. One thing, with CVS you don't find out about neural tube defects, but most OBs have you take a AFP blood test at 16 weeks, so you can find that out later. You can also find out the child's gender with CVS, but I decided I wanted to be surprised!

I had a hard time getting pregnant (1-1/2 years on different fertility drugs), and until I had my CVS results AND passed my first trimester, I protected myself by distancing myself from the pregancy. After 13 weeks, I celebrated, and I feel so excited now! Good luck with making your decision!

The key is finding out the miscarriage rate of your particular provider. I had a woman at the Alta Bates Perinatal Center do the CVS (I forget her name but think she's the only one there); she does them fairly frequently, is very experienced, and has a very low miscarriage rate.

The study that talked about the risk of limb deformities was done some years ago when they used to do the CVS much earlier than they do it now. Apparently with the fetal ages they use now, there's neglible risk.

Also, I had an amnio for my first child, and the CVS was even less painful than the amnio! I just felt tired for 24 hours and stayed mostly in bed.

Good luck! It was such a relief to get the good news from the CVS. It eased my worry much earlier than the amnio would have; I'm really glad to have made that decision.