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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffChorionic villus sampling carries various risks, including:
- Miscarriage. Overall, chorionic villus sampling carries a 1 in 100 risk of miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage appears to be slightly higher when the tissue sample is taken through the cervix (transcervical) rather than the abdominal wall (transabdominal). The risk of miscarriage also increases if the baby is smaller than normal for his or her gestational age.
- Cramping and vaginal bleeding. You may feel cramping during and after the test. Vaginal bleeding also is possible, especially if the cell sample was taken through your cervix rather than the abdominal wall.
- Rh sensitization. Chorionic villus sampling may cause some of the baby's blood cells to enter your bloodstream. If you have Rh negative blood, you'll be given a drug called Rh immunoglobulin after the test to prevent you from producing antibodies against your baby's blood cells.
- Infection. Rarely, chorionic villus sampling may trigger a uterine infection.
Some older studies suggested that chorionic villus sampling may cause defects in a baby's fingers or toes. However, the risk appears to be a concern only if the procedure is done before the ninth week of pregnancy.
Remember, chorionic villus sampling is typically offered when the test results may have a significant impact on the management of the pregnancy. Ultimately, the decision to have chorionic villus sampling is up to you. Your health care provider or genetic counselor can help you weigh all the factors in the decision.
- Ghidini A, et al. Chorionic villus sampling: Risks, complications and techniques. www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
- Diagnosing birth defects. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp164.cfm. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd edition. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6021591. Accessed Feb. 8, 2010.
- Simpson JL, et al. Prenatal genetic diagnosis. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007:1.
- Chorionic villus sampling. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1165.asp. Accessed Feb. 9, 2010.
- Cystic fibrosis: Prenatal screening and diagnosis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp171.cfm. Accessed Feb. 9, 2010.
- Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff diseases. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1227.asp. Accessed Feb. 9, 2010.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
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