Pain associated with transabdominal chorionic villus sampling—Anticipated versus actual

Abstract

Objective. To assess anticipated and perceived pain associated with transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA CVS).

Methods. Sixteen consecutive patients completed 0 (no pain) to 10 (excruciating pain) visual analog scales before and after TA CVS.

Results. Anticipated pain (5.1 ± 2.9) and perceived pain (5.5 ± 3.2) were similar (p = 0.42) and moderate. Actual pain was less in five (31%), the same in six (38%), and greater in five (31%) compared to anticipated pain.

Conclusions. These baseline data are useful for patient counseling and designing interventional trials to decrease procedural pain. TA CVS is associated with moderate perceived pain.

Keywords:

• Chorionic villus sampling
• pain
• analgesia