At Your Private Midwife, we’re all about informed choice, autonomy, and elite-level clarity-so when it comes to prenatal diagnostic testing, you deserve the real talk, not the generic Dr Google & NHS web search.
If you’ve been offered or are considering Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), here’s your curated, jargon-light breakdown of what it actually means, why it might be offered, and how you can stay completely in control of your journey.
What Is Chorionic Villus Sampling?
Chorionic Villus Sampling is a diagnostic test done in early pregnancy-usually between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It involves taking a tiny sample of placental tissue (called chorionic villi) to test for genetic or chromosomal conditions such as:
Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18)
Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13)
Inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease (if relevant to your family history)
It’s a step beyond the early screening blood tests and nuchal translucency scans offered in the routine NHS screening panel and it gives more definitive answers.
Why Might You Be Offered CVS?
CVS is usually offered if:
- You’ve had a high chance screening result from earlier testing (like the combined or NIPT tests)
- There’s a known genetic condition in your family
- A previous pregnancy was affected by a condition that can be tested for
And sometimes? You’re just someone who wants information early, on your own terms. That’s valid too, however this testing is currently limited in the private sector & most families will be support by their local screening team in the NHS.
How Is It Done?
CVS is performed by a skilled specialist and involves either:
A transabdominal approach (a needle through the tummy, guided by ultrasound), or
A transcervical approach (sample taken through the vagina and cervix)
Which one is used depends on the position of your placenta. It sounds intense, but it’s usually quick around 15 to 20 minutes and you’ll be supported throughout, usually by a screening specialist midwife. Local anaesthetic isn’t typically used, but if you want it, it is a request you can make.
The Real Risks & Real Choice
Let’s talk numbers: there’s a less than 1 in 200 chance of miscarriage following CVS (some studies say even lower). The risk used to be higher, but with expert hands and modern ultrasound, it’s now much safer. However, for some women & their families that risk is simply too high and not one they are willing to take.
Still, this is your pregnancy, your baby, and your body. Understanding those risks and benefits deeply matters-and you deserve space to talk, not pressure to act.
It is also worth considering there is a chance of infection with CVS testing, or a chance the first attempt at this test is ineffective & you may invited back to reattempt the test.
At Your Private Midwife, we create space for those big conversations. We’ll help you unpack what information you want, why, and how you feel about the “what ifs.” We also work alongside Tracy Hillam at Your Bespoke Midwife, who has expertise in the screening programme on offer & would be happy to support you to make decisions best for you on this journey. Contact us via email to request a meeting with Tracy.
Your Choices, Your Way
Whether you say yes, no, or not right now to CVS, the most important thing is that you are at the centre of the decision-making. And with private midwifery care, you’re never just “going along with the system”-you’re writing your own care story.
If you’re curious about advanced screening, need support interpreting results, or want to know if private testing options are available-we’re here, ready to walk beside you.
Want to Talk It Through?
You’re never too much, too detailed, or too early to ask the real questions. Book a Private Pregnancy Planning Consultation with Bailey to unpack your options and explore whether CVS (or any other prenatal testing) is the right path for you.
Fill out our Contact Form for & we can book in a Brew with Bailey online.