Genetic screening is a process used to determine a child's risk of inheriting certain diseases or birth defects from his or her parents. Couples planning on having a baby might be concerned about illnesses in the family that their child might inherit. The best time to have a genetic screening done is before you get pregnant, but it can also be done during your first prenatal visit or later in your pregnancy.
Common reasons for having genetic screening include:
You should find out about the medical history of your family, including hereditary diseases in your mother's and father's families. If possible, ask your parents and your partner's parents about any abnormalities, disabilities, or mental retardation in the family. Make a record of any of the following personal information:
During the genetic screening process, your healthcare provider will ask you and your partner for a detailed family history of diseases, disorders, and birth defects. You may be given blood tests. If you are already pregnant, you might be given tests to examine the chromosomes and condition of the fetus. Examples of genetic screening tests given during pregnancy include:
After the screening and tests, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and make recommendations about any treatment that may be beneficial. Treatment is a personal choice that is left entirely up to you. Your healthcare provider should provide you with lots of information about treatment options so that you can make informed choices.
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Baby Center
http://www.babycenter.ca/pregnancy
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm/
References:
Genetic counseling. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_15008.asp. Accessed June 17, 2009.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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