Eleven Weeks : A Very Active Munchkin

November 10, 2004

Today was the cvs test (Chorionic Villus Sampling). The doctor extracts a fragment of chorionic villi, tiny fingerlike projections on the placenta. The cells taken from the placenta are full of genetic information that can be analysed for chromosomal abnormalities and the sex of the baby. This test is done due to my advanced maternal age. Since my eggs are older there is a slightly higher chance of chromosomal defect. We opted for this test as opposed to an amniocentesis because it can be done much earlier.

Our doctor first tried to obtain the sample through a catheter inserted in my cervix. This was uncomfortable, but not that bad. However, she was unable to get the sample because my uterus is positioned more to the right so she decided to try again through my abdominal wall. I watched everything up until this point. The needle was quite large so I chose to close my eyes for this attempt. It didn't hurt too bad when it punctured my skin, perhaps because of the 30+ needles I had to give myself. What DID hurt was when the needle punctured my uterus. The uterus is a muscle that has one job and that is to contract....jab it repeatedly with a needle and it will show you that it's an expert at contracting. The pain is not like a menstral cramp, it's more severe and localized and causes one to bend in the middle. It was very difficult to keep still and not bend my legs during the sampling. I tried my best to remain still and said, "ouch, ouch, ouch" with each jab. The sampling was several quick hard stabs... an up and down motion that made my eyes tear. Thankfully it was over quickly so it was not too horrible. Afterward I was a bit sore and tired. Robert felt nauseous and light headed.

As you know, I wanted to film the procedure, but when we got into the room they told us that we couldn't, so we bought a vhs tape and asked them to record it. They recorded the sonogram prior to the biopsy, but would not record the biopsy. Still, the video we have is amazing. Our little 2 inch, 11 wk, munchkin put on quite a show. Our wee one stretched and kicked and turned around. We both had tears in our eyes as we watched. You can watch video by clicking the photo above.

In the photo above, you can see the right hand in the background. In the foreground, you can almost make out the left arm (bent at the elbow) with the hand near the side of the head.

We will have our results in approximately 10 days.