How Accurate Is CVS In Detecting Down Syndrome In The Fetus?

Posted on Sat, 29 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm 13 weeks pregnant with a baby girl with down syndrome. I had a cvs done to confirm this. NT scan showed 5mm around baby neck. Before the CVS I was told this was cystic hygroma. Also their is a shadow around babies skull and belly. What are the chances of carring this baby full term and is their any way to know how severe or mild down syndrome will be?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Down's syndrome Detailed Answer: Hi, I read your query and I understand your concerns. Following is my reply: 1) If CVS has shown down's syndrome it is confirmatory. 2) Nuchal thickness ( NT ) might be confused with cystic hygroma but not CVS. 3) If down's syndrome is confirmed by CVS you can consider the option of termination after consulting your gynecologist. 4) Its very difficult to predict severity of down's syndrome but it will be diffcult to cope with child growth and special needs. Please undergo counselling by genetic counsellor about the same. Let me know if you have anymore questions. Regards, Dr. Mahesh Koregol

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar