CVS TEST

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a highly accurate prenatal test that detects chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Its central advantage over amniocentesis is that you can take it earlier between the tenth and 12th weeks of pregnancy.

You can't have an amnio until your second trimester. Many of the women who opt for the test are over age 35 (which means they have one chance in 134 of carrying a child with a chromosomal problem), or have a child with a birth defect, or a family history of a genetic disease such as Tay Sachs. Until recently, only a few medical centers offered the CVS test.

But enough technicians are now familiar with the procedure that it has become a popular alternative to amniocentesis.



National Geographic - In the Womb

Paralumun New Age Village