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Your visit

You will be met by the specialist fetal medicine doctor and midwife. They will first talk to you to find out about your pregnancy, and they will then perform a detailed scan. Following this they will explain their findings and discuss different management options with you. You may be offered further testing such as:

Amniocentesis

If you have an amniocentesis, we take a small amount of amniotic fluid (the water around your baby inside your uterus) for testing. The sample contains some of the baby's cells, which contain genetic information.

  • Amniocentesis is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, but it can be done later.
  • We clean your abdomen with antiseptic and may use a local anaesthetic injection to numb a small area. We insert a fine needle through your abdomen and into your uterus to take the sample. We use an ultrasound probe to guide the direction of the needle.
  • Occasionally, for fewer than 7 in every 100 women, we cannot take enough fluid at the first attempt and have to re-insert the needle. This is usually due to the position of your baby.
  • If a second attempt fails, we will offer an appointment to have the amniocentesis again on another day.
  • After taking the needle out, the baby is observed for a short time on ultrasound.
  • Amniocentesis results are usually available in around 3 days. They are a true reflection of the baby's DNA.

 

Diagram

CVS

If you have a CVS, we take a tiny sample of tissue from the placenta (placental tissue) for testing. The sample contains some of your baby's cells which contain genetic information (DNA).

  • CVS is usually done from weeks 11 to 14 of pregnancy but can be done later. If the doctor decides it is not safe to do the procedure at a particular time, they may offer you another appointment 7 to 14 days later when the placenta will be larger and easier to reach. We clean your abdomen (tummy) with antiseptic and may use a local anaesthetic injection to numb a small area. We insert a fine needle through your abdomen and into your uterus (womb) to take the sample. We use an ultrasound probe to guide the direction of the needle. 

Cvs

  • Most women say that CVS or amniocentesis is uncomfortable rather than painful. Some say it feels something like period pain.
  • You may feel anxious before and after the test. You may notice some cramping for a few hours afterwards. This is normal. You can take paracetamol for any discomfort. You do not need to rest or stop driving after the procedure.
  • It is not always possible to get a result from the first CVS or amniocentesis. Up to 6 in 100 women (6%) will be offered a second procedure.
  • One in 200 women who have a CVS or amniocentesis will miscarry. We do not know why some women miscarry after these procedures. Most miscarriages happen within 3 days of the procedure, but they can happen up to 2 weeks afterwards. There is nothing you can do to prevent a miscarriage after a CVS or amniocentesis.
  • After the scan, you will have plenty of opportunity to ask as many questions as you need and share any thoughts you may have with us. We understand that your pregnancy is precious, and we always strive to make your pregnancy journey as smooth as possible.

 

More information:

For more information about your visit and treatment visit the South West Fetal Medicine website.


Contact us:

Telephone 0117 342 5470, our phone line is open 9am to 5am, Monday to Friday.
If we are unable to answer the phone please leave a message as we respond to your phone messages multiple times throughout the day
We occasionally send out text messages.

How to find us:

Fetal Medicine Unit, Level E St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, BS2 8EG

There is parking underneath the hospital (pay and display)

There is on street parking around the hospital

There is a nearby multistory car park: postcode BS1 5AN.