Chorionic villus sampling

Alternative names:

chorionic villus biopsy; CVS

What the risks are:

The risks of CVS are only slightly higher than those of an amniocentesis. Fetal loss occurs about 5% of the time. Following is a list of possible complications:

• rupture of membranes (rupture of the amniotic membrane)
• abortion, spontaneous
• infection
• bleeding
• the mother developing Rh incompatibility
• contamination of the sample with maternal cells

Special considerations:

• After this test, if your blood is Rh-negative, you may receive RhoGAM to avoid Rh incompatibility.
• Two to four days after the CVS you will be scheduled for a follow-up ultrasound to ensure that the fetus withstood the procedure.
• Report any signs that there may be complications of the procedure to your health care provider:
  • excessive bleeding
  • excessive vaginal discharge
  • aborted fetus