Chorionic Villous Sampling

It involves removing and testing a small sample of cells from the placenta, the organ linking the mother’s blood supply with the unborn baby’s. CVS is usually carried out between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy

It’s only offered if there’s a high chance your baby could have a genetic or chromosomal condition.

This could be because:

An antenatal screening test has suggested your baby may be born with a condition, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome
You had a previous pregnancy affected by a genetic condition
You have a family history of a genetic condition, such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy