Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) in Grand Rapids, MI

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal diagnostic test that can detect certain genetic and chromosomal conditions during early pregnancy. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, CVS is typically performed by maternal–fetal medicine specialists at major health systems such as Spectrum Health (Corewell Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, often in coordination with your OB/GYN.

CVS may be recommended if you are at higher risk for having a baby with a genetic or chromosomal condition and want early, accurate information.

What Is Chorionic Villus Sampling?

CVS is a test that examines a small sample of placental tissue (called chorionic villi). The placenta and the baby share the same genetic material, so studying this tissue can reveal:

  • Chromosomal conditions (such as Down syndrome / Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13)
  • Certain inherited genetic disorders (such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, some muscular dystrophies, and other single-gene conditions)

Unlike an ultrasound, which gives a general picture of your baby’s growth and anatomy, CVS is a targeted genetic test. It does not check for every possible problem and does not screen for open neural tube defects such as spina bifida (that is usually checked with a blood test and/or detailed ultrasound later in pregnancy).

When Is CVS Done?

In Grand Rapids, chorionic villus sampling is usually offered between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy (sometimes up to 14 weeks, depending on your specialist). This allows you to receive information earlier than with other tests such as amniocentesis, which is generally done later (after 15 weeks).

Your OB/GYN or midwife may refer you to a maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) clinic at:

  • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health Maternal–Fetal Medicine (downtown Grand Rapids and regional locations)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Maternal–Fetal Medicine
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health affiliated clinics

These centers serve Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan region.

Who Might Be Offered CVS in Grand Rapids?

You may be offered CVS if:

  • You are 35 years or older at your due date (advanced maternal age)
  • You have had a screening test (like first-trimester screening or cell-free DNA / NIPT) showing a higher risk of chromosomal problems
  • You or your partner have a known genetic condition (for example, cystic fibrosis carrier, sickle cell trait, or other inherited disorders)
  • There is a family history of a genetic or chromosomal disorder
  • You have had a previous pregnancy or child affected by a genetic condition or chromosomal abnormality
  • You are particularly anxious about the possibility of abnormalities and want the most definitive information available early in pregnancy

Your healthcare provider in Grand Rapids will review your individual risk factors and help you decide whether CVS is appropriate.

How CVS Is Performed

There are two main methods of chorionic villus sampling:

  1. Transabdominal CVS – through the abdomen
  2. Transcervical (vaginal) CVS – through the cervix

In Grand Rapids, transabdominal CVS is more common and generally has a slightly lower risk of complications than transcervical CVS. Your maternal–fetal medicine specialist will recommend the safest approach based on the position of your placenta and your overall health.

Before the Procedure

You may be asked to:

  • Arrive with a moderately full bladder (this can help improve ultrasound imaging)
  • Change into a hospital gown
  • Lie on your back on an examination table

Your care team will:

  • Review your medical history
  • Confirm your blood type and Rh status (you may need a blood test beforehand)
  • Offer sedation or pain relief options if needed (for example, nitrous oxide, or just local anesthetic)

In Michigan, especially during winter months when driving conditions can be challenging, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home, particularly if you receive any sedating medications.

Step-by-Step: Transabdominal CVS

Most CVS procedures in Grand Rapids are done with ultrasound guidance to help keep the needle away from the baby and amniotic sac.

1. Ultrasound Check

  • An ultrasound is performed first to:
    • Confirm your baby’s heartbeat and gestational age
    • Locate the placenta
    • Decide the safest route for the needle

2. Cleaning and Numbing the Area

  • Your abdomen is cleaned with an antiseptic solution
  • A local anesthetic is injected into the skin and deeper tissues where the needle will be inserted
  • You may feel a brief sting or burning sensation from the anesthetic

3. Needle Insertion

  • A slender needle, guided continuously by ultrasound, is inserted through your abdominal wall into the edge of the placenta
  • The needle is kept away from the baby and the amniotic sac
  • A finer needle or syringe is then used to gently “vacuum” a small sample of placental tissue (chorionic villi)

This part of the procedure usually takes about two minutes. You may feel:

  • A strange dragging or drawing sensation in your pelvis or legs
  • Some pressure or mild cramping

These sensations are common and usually not a cause for concern. Sometimes the doctor may need to take a second sample to ensure enough tissue is collected.

4. After the Sample Is Taken

  • The needles are removed
  • The baby is checked again with ultrasound
  • You are free to get dressed

Plan to be in the Grand Rapids clinic or hospital for up to 90 minutes in total. You may be asked to stay for 30 minutes or so after the procedure so staff can monitor you and your baby before you go home.

What Happens to the Sample?

The placental tissue sample is sent to a specialized genetics laboratory, often through your local health system (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health). The cells are:

  1. Cultured (grown in the lab)
  2. Examined under a microscope to check:
    • The number of chromosomes
    • The size and structure of chromosomes
  3. Sometimes tested with more advanced genetic techniques (such as microarray or specific gene testing), depending on what condition is being investigated

When Will You Get Results?

  • Results are usually available in 1–3 weeks, depending on the type of testing ordered
  • Your OB/GYN or maternal–fetal medicine specialist will review the results with you at a follow-up appointment or by phone
  • If a genetic condition is found, you may be referred to a genetic counselor in Grand Rapids for detailed discussion and support

Genetic Counseling in Grand Rapids

Genetic counseling is strongly recommended before and after CVS. In Grand Rapids, genetic counselors are available through:

  • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health Genetics and Maternal–Fetal Medicine
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

Topics Genetic Counseling Covers

  • Why CVS is being recommended in your specific case
  • The benefits, risks, and limitations of CVS
  • What conditions the test can and cannot detect (for example, CVS does not check for spina bifida)
  • The likelihood of your baby having a particular condition
  • Possible outcomes and options if an abnormality is found
  • Emotional support and resources for you and your family

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also help connect you with community support programs, especially if you need assistance with follow-up care, mental health, or social services.

Risks and Possible Complications of CVS

CVS is considered a safe procedure when performed by experienced specialists, but it does carry some risks.

Miscarriage Risk

  • The risk of miscarriage after CVS is around 1 in 100 (1%)
  • The exact risk may vary slightly between centers and depends on individual factors
  • Transcervical (vaginal) CVS carries a slightly higher risk of complications than transabdominal CVS

Your Grand Rapids provider will review current data and their own clinic’s experience so you can make an informed decision.

Other Possible Complications

Potential risks and side effects include:

  • Inaccurate or unclear test results (rare, but can occur; sometimes a repeat test or amniocentesis is needed)
  • Cramping or mild abdominal discomfort
  • Spotting or light vaginal bleeding
  • Infection (very rare)
  • Very rarely, problems with the placenta or amniotic fluid

If your results are unclear, you may be offered amniocentesis later in pregnancy for clarification.

Amniocentesis vs. CVS

Both amniocentesis and CVS are diagnostic tests for genetic and chromosomal conditions, but they differ in timing and method.

Amniocentesis

  • Usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy
  • A slender needle is inserted through the abdomen into the amniotic sac, guided by ultrasound
  • A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed; this fluid contains baby’s cells for testing
  • The risk of miscarriage after amniocentesis is about 1 in 250 (0.4%)
  • May be recommended if:
    • CVS results were inconclusive
    • A condition not detectable by CVS is suspected
    • You decide you prefer testing later in pregnancy

Your provider will help you compare CVS and amniocentesis so you can choose the option that best fits your needs and values.

Recovery After CVS in Grand Rapids

Most people can go home the same day and recover quickly.

Right After the Procedure

Be guided by your Grand Rapids doctor, but general advice includes:

  • Rest for the remainder of the day
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity, such as:
    • Heavy lifting
    • Intense exercise
    • Shoveling snow or strenuous yardwork (especially relevant during Michigan winters)
  • Avoid sexual intercourse for a short period if your doctor recommends it

You can usually return to normal daily activities within a day or so, unless your provider advises otherwise.

When to Call Your Doctor or Seek Emergency Care

Contact your OB/GYN or maternal–fetal medicine clinic immediately, or go to an emergency department at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health if you experience:

  • Bright red vaginal bleeding
  • Watery fluid leaking from the vagina
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Fever, chills, or signs of infection
  • A noticeable decrease in pregnancy symptoms that concerns you

In urgent situations, calling 911 is appropriate, especially in winter when road conditions in West Michigan can delay travel.

If an Abnormality Is Found

If CVS shows that your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition:

  • You will be offered follow-up genetic counseling
  • Your Grand Rapids care team will discuss:
    • What the condition means for your child’s health and development
    • Possible treatments or interventions after birth
    • Options for continuing the pregnancy with specialized care
    • The option of pregnancy termination, if legal and desired, and what that process involves

Pregnancy Termination

If you choose to end the pregnancy in the first trimester, a common method is dilation and curettage (D&C):

  • The cervix is gently dilated
  • The contents of the uterus are removed under medical supervision

Your Grand Rapids OB/GYN or maternal–fetal medicine specialist will explain the procedure, risks, and recovery, and connect you with emotional support resources.

Local resources for emotional and practical support may include:

  • Hospital social workers at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Mental health providers and counseling services in the Grand Rapids area
  • Support groups for pregnancy loss or parenting a child with special needs
  • Kent County Health Department and local non-profits

Local Grand Rapids & Michigan Considerations

Living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan may influence some aspects of your prenatal care:

  • Seasonal weather: Winter storms and icy roads can affect your ability to get to appointments. Try to schedule CVS and follow-up visits with travel time and weather in mind.
  • Access to specialists: Grand Rapids is a regional hub with advanced maternal–fetal medicine and genetics services that serve much of West Michigan, including surrounding counties.
  • Population diversity: Certain genetic conditions may be more common in specific ethnic or family backgrounds. Your provider may tailor testing recommendations based on your ancestry and family history.

If transportation, insurance, or financial concerns make it hard to access care, the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can often help connect you with assistance programs.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you are considering CVS or have questions about prenatal genetic testing, you can contact:

  • Your OB/GYN or midwife
  • Maternal–Fetal Medicine departments at:
    • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Genetic counseling services through the above health systems
  • Kent County Health Department for information on prenatal care resources and community support

Key Points About CVS in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a diagnostic test that checks for certain genetic and chromosomal abnormalities early in pregnancy.
  • CVS is usually performed between 10–13 weeks at specialized centers in Grand Rapids.
  • The risk of miscarriage after CVS is around 1 in 100 (1%).
  • CVS does not detect all birth defects and does not screen for spina bifida.
  • A strange dragging or drawing sensation in your pelvis or legs during the procedure is common and usually not a cause for alarm.
  • Transabdominal CVS generally has a lower risk of complications than transcervical (vaginal) CVS.
  • Amniocentesis is an alternative diagnostic test done later in pregnancy, with a miscarriage risk of about 1 in 250.
  • After CVS, rest for the day, avoid heavy physical activity, and contact your doctor if you notice bright red bleeding, watery discharge, severe pain, or fever.
  • Genetic counseling and specialized prenatal care are available through major health systems in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with additional support from the Kent County Health Department and local community resources.