Why Are These Procedures Necessary?

Non-invasive tests, such as the NT Scan or NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), are excellent at identifying potential issues. However, if those tests return a high-risk result, an invasive procedure is the only way to confirm a diagnosis for conditions such as:

• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
• Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
• Thalassemia (If both parents are carriers)
• Cystic Fibrosis or other inherited metabolic disorders

The Two Primary Diagnostic Procedures

The type of procedure recommended depends largely on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

1. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

CVS is typically performed early in the pregnancy, between 11 and 14 weeks.

• The Procedure: Under continuous ultrasound guidance, a very fine needle is passed through the mother's abdomen to collect a tiny sample of cells from the placenta (chorionic villi). The placenta shares the same genetic makeup as the baby.
• The Benefit: Because it is performed early, it provides answers in the first trimester, allowing parents more time for counseling and decision-making.

2. Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is usually performed between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

• The Procedure: Using a thin needle guided by ultrasound, a small amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the baby) is withdrawn. This fluid contains live fetal cells that can be cultured and analyzed in our Laboratory Services.
• The Benefit: It is the most common diagnostic test and can also detect neural tube defects like Spina Bifida by measuring protein levels in the fluid.

Safety, Risks, and Precautions

At Ashoka Women & Children Hospital, your safety is our absolute priority. We understand that parents worry about the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive tests.

• The Statistics: In the hands of an expert fetal medicine specialist using modern ultrasound guidance, the risk of pregnancy loss is extremely low—typically cited as less than 0.5% (1 in 200).
• Our Protocol: We perform these procedures in a sterile environment. Before the test, we confirm the mother’s blood group to prevent Rh-incompatibility issues. After the procedure, we monitor the fetal heart rate and advise the mother to rest for 24 to 48 hours.

Genetic Counseling : Support Every Step of the Way

We believe that data without support is incomplete. Before and after any invasive procedure, our team provides Genetic Screening counseling. Our specialists sit down with you to:

• Explain exactly why the test is being recommended.
• Discuss the potential outcomes and what they mean for your child's future.
• Provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to ask questions and process information.

Why Choose Ashoka Women & Children Hospital?

When it comes to invasive fetal procedures, the skill of the doctor is the most important factor in safety and accuracy.

• Expert Fetal Medicine Specialists: Our team has performed hundreds of these procedures with a high safety record and diagnostic precision.
• Advanced Ultrasound Guidance: We use the latest high-resolution imaging to ensure the needle is positioned with sub-millimeter accuracy, away from the baby.
• In-House Genetic Lab: By processing samples in our own Laboratory Services, we reduce wait times and ensure the highest standards of sample integrity.
• Integrated Care: If a diagnosis is confirmed, our Maternity Care and Level III NICU teams are immediately engaged to create a specialized birth and management plan for your baby.

Finding Certainty in Your Journey

The decision to undergo an invasive procedure is deeply personal. Our role is to provide you with the most accurate information possible so that you can make the best decision for your family. With expert care and advanced science, we help you navigate the complexities of pregnancy with clarity and confidence.

At Ashoka Women & Children Hospital, we provide precision care for life’s most delicate moments.