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Invasive Tests
Invasive testing is used to diagnose conditions of the fetus during pregnancy. The two most common methods of invasive testing include Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and Amniocentesis. With both CVS and Amniocentesis there is a very small risk of miscarriage or harm to the fetus. Gawri IVF Fertility Center offers non-invasive testing that may be completed before an invasive alternative in order to determine if invasive testing is recommended. If you have questions about if CVS, Amniocentesis or any other invasive or non-invasive methods are recommended for your pregnancy,
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
CVS involves the examination of the chorionic villi (placental tissue). Because the fetus and the placenta develop from the same cells, the chromosomes present in the placenta are representative of the chromosomes in the fetus. A thin ultrasound-guided needle is passed through the mother’s abdomen and a sample of the villi is taken. Following the CVS, the patient may experience slight abdominal discomfort. If CVS is completed in order to diagnose the risk of Down syndrome, results are available within 2 to 3 days. For other rare conditions, results may take longer. Your physician will keep you informed as to when you can expect to receive the results of your CVS.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis involves the examination of cells in the amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the fetus. The cells in the amniotic fluid originate from the baby, making the chromosomes representative of those that can be found in the baby. Amniocentesis is completed using a thin ultrasound-guided needle to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid. Following the Amniocentesis, the patient may experience slight abdominal discomfort. If Amniocentesis is completed in order to diagnose the risk of Down syndrome, results are available within 2 to 3 days. For other rare conditions, results may take longer. Your physician will keep you informed as to when you can expect to receive the results of your Amniocentesis.
What is Selective Fetal Reduction?
Selective fetal reduction (also called multifetal pregnancy reduction) involves terminating one or more fetuses, usually during the first trimester , in a controlled and safe manner. The remaining fetuses are intended to continue developing normally.
Why is it Done?
1. Health Risks:
• Multifetal pregnancies carry higher risks of premature birth, miscarriage, low birth weight, and maternal complications (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes).
• Reducing the number of fetuses may lower these risks significantly.
2. Fetal Anomalies:
• Sometimes, fetal reduction is considered when one fetus has a serious medical condition or abnormality, and the others do not.
3. Improving Outcomes:
• A twin pregnancy, for example, has significantly better perinatal outcomes than a triplet or quadruplet pregnancy.
How is It Performed?
• The procedure is typically guided by ultrasound and involves injecting a potassium chloride solution into the heart of the selected fetus to stop its heartbeat.
• It is most often done transabdominally (through the abdomen), and occasionally transvaginally.
• The body usually absorbs the demised fetus over time.
Ethical and Emotional Considerations
• This procedure can be emotionally complex for patients and families.
• Some people may have ethical or religious concerns regarding the practice.
• Counseling is generally recommended before and after the procedure.
Success and Risks
• Success Rate: High—most patients go on to deliver healthy babies.
• Risks: There’s a small chance of losing all fetuses due to miscarriage (roughly 4–10% depending on various factors).