Personal stories about chorionic villus sampling

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Georgia, age 35: My doctor talked to me about the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. I understand that at my age, the risk starts to go up. I had a second cousin with Down syndrome, so I know what that's like. I would end the pregnancy if it turned out the baby had it, so I am going to have CVS and find out.

Patricia, age 39: My doctor told me there is a risk of having a baby with problems because of my age. But testing wouldn't change my mind. It has taken me 5 years to get pregnant. I won't do anything that might cause me to lose the baby.

Sabrina, age 32: My husband and I are Jewish, so we had genetic testing and found out we are both carriers of Tay-Sachs disease. We will definitely have CVS to find out if our baby has it. We want children but not if they will have that awful disease. If this pregnancy doesn't work out, we will try again.

Coco, age 43: I want to find out if my baby has any problems so I can be prepared. But no matter what, I wouldn't end the pregnancy, so I am going to wait and have amnio. I had it done with my second child. I feel more comfortable having it again instead of a different test, and I don't need to find out in the first trimester.



Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPHLast Updated: November 30, 2006
Medical Review: Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise