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This study compares anxiety levels in women undergoing prenatal testing by means of chorionic villus sampling versus genetic amniocentesis. Chorionic villus sampling can be performed earlier in a pregnancy (8 to 12 weeks' gestation) but has a higher risk of miscarriage. Randomized to undergo chorionic villus sampling or genetic amniocentesis as part of a trial examining the safety and accuracy of these procedures, the women were studied at four time periods: time 1, before prenatal testing (9 to 12 weeks' gestation); time 2, after the chorionic villus sampling results were received (13 weeks); time 3, before the genetic amniocentesis results were known (18 weeks), and time 4, after all results were known (22 weeks). Although they were still at risk for miscarriage, members of the chorionic villus sampling group showed a sharp drop in anxiety levels immediately after receiving their results. The genetic amniocentesis group remained anxious until the last test time. In summary, prenatal testing by means of chorionic villus sampling resulted in earlier and sustained anxiety reduction.