Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can cause cramping, leakage of amniotic fluid, and vaginal spotting, which goes away in 1 to 2 days. You may feel some soreness where the needle was put in if you had the belly procedure done.

CVS also increases the chance of:

• Developing a uterine infection.
• Having a miscarriage. Overall, one study showed the risk of miscarriage from CVS is about 1 in 400 when done by a highly trained provider.^{Reference 1}
• Having a baby with arm or leg abnormalities though the chance of this happening is very low, especially when the test is done after 10 weeks.

Chorionic villus sampling has a very small chance of causing bleeding that could result in mixing your blood and your baby's. If you have Reference Rh-negative blood Opens New Window, you will be given the Rh immunoglobulin vaccine (such as RhoGAM) to prevent Rh sensitization which could harm your baby if he or she has Rh-positive blood.

After the procedure

It is normal to have mild cramping, leakage of a small amount amniotic fluid, and vaginal spotting for the first day or two after the procedure. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Moderate or severe belly pain or cramping.
• More leakage of amniotic fluid from your vagina.
• More vaginal bleeding than spotting, or bright red bleeding.
• Chills or a fever.
• Dizziness.
• Redness or swelling at the needle site if you had a belly procedure.

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