North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What is a common occurrence after a CVS procedure?

1. Women experience heavy bleeding

2. Women should avoid physical activity for a month

3. Women always bleed following the procedure

4. No symptoms are reported

The correct answer is: Women always bleed following the procedure

After a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) procedure, it is indeed common for women to experience some degree of bleeding. The procedure involves taking tissue from the placenta to test for genetic conditions, and it's not unusual for light spotting or bleeding to occur as a result. This occurs because the procedure involves a process that can irritate the cervix or the surrounding tissues. It's important to note that while some bleeding may be expected, it should typically be light and not heavy. If a woman experiences heavy bleeding, it could indicate a complication such as a miscarriage or an infection, which would require immediate medical attention. In terms of physical activity, while it might be recommended to take it easy following the procedure, there isn't a universally required duration of one month for avoiding all physical activity. Most healthcare providers will offer guidance based on the individual woman's situation and any symptoms she may experience. Lastly, while some women might not report any symptoms after a CVS, it’s too optimistic to say that no symptoms are reported, as light spotting is fairly common after the procedure. Therefore, while light bleeding is expected, the statement that women always bleed following the procedure is misleading and does not account for the variability in individual experiences.