Reasons to Consider Alternatives to Chorionic Villus Sampling
While chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a widely used testing procedure, there are several reasons why mothers and physicians may opt for alternative options. One significant limitation of CVS is its inability to detect certain congenital disabilities, including neural tube defects. Moreover, there are cases where specific conditions in women make it challenging for doctors to perform CVS. For instance, transcervical CVS may not be suitable for women with genital infections like herpes. Furthermore, the accessibility of a woman’s placenta can also pose difficulties in conducting CVS.
Rh Sensitization
While CVS is generally considered a safe testing method, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. One of the main risks is Rh sensitization. During the sampling process, there is a possibility that some of the fetus’ blood may enter the mother’s bloodstream. If the fetus has Rh-positive blood and the mother has Rh-negative blood, the mother’s body may produce antibodies to defend against the Rh-positive blood. Unfortunately, these antibodies can potentially harm the fetus. To address this concern, doctors may administer Rh immune globulin to prevent the mother’s body from producing these antibodies.