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It's a long story but I needed to do CVS testing in the first trimester. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it unless you felt it was absolutely necessary. It is super-painful and does increase your chance of miscarriage, slightly.

@winniebee: have you read "Expecting Better"? I think the author decided to do it (with no previous bad outcomes driving her decisions, like you & others here...), mostly because the other tests are still just screenings and she wanted definite info!

This was obviously a long time ago, but my mom had CVS testing done due only to AMA. It turned out fine (for me and my sister). FWIW, my OB said amnio and CVS are both much safer than people tend to believe, and that she'd never encountered a problem in her career.

@winniebee: You're welcome! One more thing to add -- I believe the risk used to be higher because doctors would do an ultrasound to get a good idea of where the fetus/placenta were and would then do the procedure after the US. Now they typically do the procedure while watching on US, so they can see more accurately. Also, US machines are more advanced so that also helps them see more clearly.

@winniebee: A friend has gone straight to CVS with each of her three kids after several losses and the discovery of some hereditary chromosomal issues. From what she told me, no one hassled her about why she was doing it. Also, when I had my amnio, my genetic counselor and MFM Doctor agreed - CVS and amnio are now so much less risky than they used to be since they are guided by ultrasound, and the specialists doing them do them alllll the time. As much as it doesn't feel routine to us as the patients, it's actually considered a routine, relatively non-invasive procedure.