Disadvantages It cannot be performed as early in pregnancy as CVS, and takes longer for results. If an abnormality is detected, you will be referred to a genetic counselor, who can explain the implications of the test results. You will feel some discomfort when the needle enters the skin, and more when it penetrates the uterus, but most women find the test quite tolerable. If you are offered a local anesthetic, keep in mind that it will require an extra needle stick, which also adds time to the procedure and causes a slight burning sensation at first. Also remember that it numbs only the skin, not the uterine wall.
Many women worry about the needle accidentally pricking the baby.
This is extremely uncommon, especially with direct ultrasound visualization. But it may put your mind at ease to know that for certain tests needles are deliberately put into fetuses, and they actually tolerate this quite well. Published under license from Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.