How is the Yale First-Trimester Risk Assessment different from amniocentesis or CVS?
Unlike these procedures, first-trimester risk assessment is non-invasive and completely safe. This is reassuring for you if you are worried about the risks associated with other prenatal genetic testing. Also, first-trimester risk assessment can be performed early, between 11-14 weeks’ gestation (i.e., between 11-14 weeks after your last menstrual period). As invasive procedures, amniocentesis and CVS are useful to offer precise detection of Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and other birth defects.
