Chorionic Villus Sampling

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test in which a sample of chorionic villi is removed from the placenta for testing. Placenta is an organ that is connected to the developing fetus to the uterine wall to allow nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange through the mothers blood supply. The chorionic villi which makes up most of the placenta is shared between the mother and baby it makes up its genetic makeup. CVS can reveal whether a baby has a chromosomal condition, such as Down syndrome and test for other genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. CVS can give valuable information about the baby's health. CVS is offered when the test results might have a significant impact on the management of the pregnancy or your desire to continue the pregnancy. Chorionic villus sampling is usually done between weeks 10 and 12 of pregnancy earlier than other prenatal diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis.  This is a serious test and you must understand the risk that comes along with the procedure and you must prepare yourself for the results.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chorionic-villus-sampling/MY00154
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placenta

http://www.baby2see.com/medical/amniocentesis_cvs.html

http://suite101.com/a/what-is-chorionic-villus-sampling-a332856