Which of the following is a common use of Chorionic Villus Sampling?

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is primarily utilized for the identification of genetic disorders in a fetus. This procedure involves obtaining a small sample of the chorionic villi, which are tiny, finger-like projections from the placenta that share the fetus's genetic material. By analyzing this tissue, healthcare providers can detect chromosomal abnormalities and various genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs disease, at an early stage of pregnancy.

The use of CVS is particularly valuable in pregnancies at increased risk for genetic disorders, as it can provide results much earlier than amniocentesis, typically between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation. This early detection can be crucial for family planning and making informed decisions moving forward.

Other options, while related to maternal and fetal health, do not align with the primary purpose of CVS. For example, assessing fetal heart defects typically requires imaging techniques like ultrasound rather than genetic testing; evaluating fetal movement is also conducted through non-invasive monitoring rather than genetic sampling; and analyzing maternal nutrition status is outside the realm of chorionic villus sampling, which focuses specifically on obtaining genetic information.