At what gestational age is chorionic villus sampling (CVS) typically performed?

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is typically performed between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation. This procedure is utilized for prenatal diagnosis and allows for the early detection of certain genetic conditions by obtaining a sample of placental tissue. The timing is crucial because it must be early enough to allow for any necessary decision-making about the pregnancy if genetic abnormalities are detected, yet late enough to be safely performed with an acceptable risk to both the fetus and mother.

The gestational age window of 10 to 13 weeks is optimal because it coincides with the period when the chorionic villi are accessible and can provide reliable results without being too early, which could lead to complications or inaccurate results. The earlier weeks are not generally used for CVS, as they may not provide sufficient tissue for analysis, and performing the procedure too late may not allow for timely intervention or options for the parents.