Antenatal Care: CVS versus Amnio in Singapore

[steffania]

Has anyone had the CVS procedure in Singapore or researched it vis a vis the amnio? The benefits of CVS are clear (diagnosis at 11 weeks versus 16 weeks) but this is only IF the doctor/facility has enough experience to demonstrate a miscarriage risk comparable to the amnio. I've researched the heck out of the web and can't find much on this. Your input/doctor recommendations valued!!

[realthomo]

Has anyone had the CVS procedure in Singapore or researched it vis a vis the amnio? The benefits of CVS are clear (diagnosis at 11 weeks versus 16 weeks) but this is only IF the doctor/facility has enough experience to demonstrate a miscarriage risk comparable to the amnio. I've researched the heck out of the web and can't find much on this. Your input/doctor recommendations valued!!

I have a 4 year old son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, so when I fell pregnant with my 3rd child I had to have genetic testing to see if it was a boy or a girl, and if it was a boy I had to see if it had DMD. I chose to have the CVS as it was done earlier and the results were faster. Also, if I had to terminate the pregnancy it could be done at a much earlier stage.

I had my CVS done at Raffles, and my doctor had performed many CVSs so I knew I was in safe hands. He explained to me that the risk of miscarriage is usually due to infection and too much activitiy immediately after the procedure, so if you keep these in mind the risk is very very small. The procedure itself was not uncomfortable, and I was even able to watch him put the needle in and perform it without feeling faint. The same cannot be said about my husband, who turned a lovely shade of white whilst watching.

Find a doctor who has performed AT LEAST 100 procedures, and ask what his miscarriage rate is. CVS is rather common here in Singapore, and KK or NUH would be two of the best hospitals to have it done.

Good luck!

[cando]

I had a CVS done at 11 weeks because of a history of Miscarriage due to Chromosomal Abnomalalties. For me there was no question. I had it done by my O/B at Mount Elizabeth and while l found the procedure uncomfortable, it was not painful.
There is always a risk of miscarriage, so for a week after the test, l was very careful with moving around. All the results came out clear and we are now 19 weeks pregnant. I had antibiotics to ward of infection for about a week and felt a little sore around the needle site but l am glad l did it, it has given us a peace of mind AND we found out at 11 weeks that we are having a girl !!!
At the end of the day you need to clear about why you want to do the tests and how you would feel if something went wrong. Trust yourself to make the right choice for you.
I' m feeling a bit iffy about my O/B, while she's good l'm feeling that she is so busy that she has no real time to spend with her patients. When l or my husband ask questions, she has a habit of pushing us aside !! Hmmmm. This O/B is a specialist in high risk pregnancy and l feel confident about her work. Just beware she can be short. Let me know if you want her contact details !!
Good Luck !!!

[cavalier]

Did anyone receive anesthesia during the procedure (CVS)?

[realthomo]

I didn't have anything but a local anaesthetic. YOu don't really need anything more than that. I didn't find it painful or uncomfortable. The worst part is watching the needle go in, and you feel a little tender in your abdomen afterwards.

[cavalier]

OK thanks. Our doctor offered to bring in an anesthesiologist for some reason.