What is an advantage of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) over amniocentesis?

The correct answer highlights an important distinction between chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis, particularly regarding the timing of when these procedures can be performed during pregnancy. However, it is critical to clarify that CVS is typically conducted earlier in pregnancy, specifically between 10 to 13 weeks of gestation, whereas amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 to 20 weeks of gestation.

The advantage of CVS lies in its ability to provide early genetic information, which can be crucial for expecting parents seeking to make timely decisions based on potential genetic conditions. The early results from CVS can significantly influence prenatal care and planning, as it allows for earlier intervention if necessary, compared to the later timing of amniocentesis.

In assessing other options, it is evident that anesthesia is generally not required for either procedure. The specificity of genetic information provided by CVS is not necessarily more detailed than what amniocentesis can offer; rather, CVS can detect genetic abnormalities at an earlier stage. Finally, indicating that CVS can be performed later in pregnancy than amniocentesis is factually inaccurate, as CVS is indeed an earlier intervention.