"Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)" (April, 2007). March of Dimes. Retrieved February 15, 2008, from http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/14332_1165.asp

This article focuses mainly on who is offered chorionic villus sampling. People concerned about a genetic defect because of a first-trimester screening, previous children or pregnancies with birth defects, maternal age, or family history are offered to take this test. The major decision, after choosing to have the test done, is to select an experienced doctor. When CVS was first introduced as a prenatal test, the risk of miscarriage was much higher. But as doctors gain experience performing the test, the rate of miscarriage decreases. CVS is not very painful, menstrual cramps and similar feelings of a pap smear are common. Women who are diagnosed with an abnormal baby are offered treatment. But currently doctors are able to diagnose more diseases than are treatable before birth. Because of the accuracy of CVS, future planning is available to those families who will be facing an especially able child. Discussion with genetic counselors, physicians, and religious and ethical counselor are very helpful when couples are deciding about genetic testing, diagnosis, treatment, and other reproductive issues. There are some basic ways women can reduce the risk of genetic defects and improve their chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Planning for pregnancy by seeing a health care provider, getting early and regularly prenatal checks, taking multivitamins, having a well balanced diet, not drinking or smoking during pregnancy, no drug use, or eating of undercooked meats can help improve these chances.