Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is offered to some expectant mothers to test for genetic disorders in their unborn baby. Normally, the test is performed at 11 weeks of pregnancy.
The test can detect conditions such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. A needle is inserted through the abdomen, and a small sample of the placenta is taken.
Risk of miscarriage is between one and two per cent, slightly higher than it is for an amniocentesis.
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