Chorionic villus sampling is associated with normal fetal growth.

Area of Science:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Neonatal Outcomes
• Prenatal Diagnostics

Background:

• Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a common first-trimester prenatal diagnostic procedure.
• Concerns exist regarding potential impacts of CVS on fetal development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and fetal growth in neonates born to mothers of advanced maternal age.
• To determine if CVS influences birth weight, crown-heel length, or ponderal index.
• To assess the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in neonates exposed to CVS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study comparing neonates born after CVS to a control group.
• Inclusion criteria: singleton term neonates, mothers aged ≥35 years.
• Outcome variables: birth weight, crown-heel length, ponderal index.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed in birth weight, crown-heel length, or ponderal index between the CVS group (n=78) and the control group (n=1335).
• Adequate sample sizes were achieved to detect a 5% difference in means with 90% power.
• The study found no evidence of increased risk for decreased fetal growth or IUGR.

Conclusions:

• Chorionic villus sampling in women aged 35 and older does not appear to be associated with compromised fetal growth.
• Neonates delivered after CVS are not at increased risk for intrauterine growth retardation.
• CVS can be considered a safe procedure regarding fetal growth parameters in this maternal age group.