Chorionic villus sampling is an exciting addition to prenatal diagnosis. With this procedure, accomplished quickly and with minimal discomfort at 9 to 11 weeks of pregnancy, information can be obtained about the fetal chromosomal complement. In addition, the fetus can be tested for a variety of disorders, such as sickle-cell disease, Tay-Sachs, and cystic fibrosis. The majority of fetal studies are normal, and such early prenatal testing provides relief of anxiety and opportunity for early maternal-fetal bonding.