Genetic testing has the potential to spring up a few
unpleasant surprises it ought to be considered as an important part in
pregnancy as it allows the couple to face the reality setting aside dreams and
imaginations. The moment a couple gets to know that they are expecting a baby;
there is a flurry of anticipations and imaginations. The primary query that
pops up in the mind is regarding the sex of the child followed by whether the
kid would have the disposition of the mom or whether s/he would inherit the
deep blue eyes of the dad. Yet, it is often found that the profound query of genetic
issues happen to be a neglected thought.
Why Should you Go for
It?
Genetics is a hidden realm that is known to bring about a
fair amount of fear and anxiety, but once you decide to seek the aid of
experienced professionals known as the genetic counselors, things get
simplified easily. They not only offer you a complete and simple understanding
of the situation but also provide support dealing if you are required to take
certain decisions.
It is extremely important that the risks of possible genetic
defects are identified tight at the onset. And it is important for the mother
and the couple to understand that they cannot have consciously prevented it.
People carry certain abnormal genes which contribute to the genetic prenatal
defects which are commonly known as genetic diseases. At times these can be
attributed to environmental factors like exposure to hazardous toxins,
substance abuse or may be a combination of several other factors.
A genetic testing
gives the real picture and alleviates fears. On the other hand, testing can
also help to decide to improve the outlook of the baby as the current
advancement in prenatal therapy makes it possible to effectively treat certain birth
defects before the delivery of the baby.
The Genetic Tests that are Carried
Out are:
- Amniocentesis
– Performed during the second trimester of the pregnancy,
it diagnoses chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
- Chorionic
Villus Sampling (CVS) – It tests the possibility of the Down syndrome and
performed during 10-12th week of pregnancy through ultrasound
imaging.
- Expanded Alpha-Fetoprotein
(AFP) – It is performed between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy and can identify
abnormalities like neural tube defects which are common amongst the Hispanics
and white Europeans.
So not only the expectant mothers but couples who are
planning pregnancy must seek genetic counseling so that they understand the
typical family traits that they are about to transmit to their child and the
subsequent effect it will render on the baby. Most importantly they will get to
know about the options as well.
Genetic Counseling is Considered to
be Extremely Beneficial in the Following Situations:
- The mother is past thirty-five years of age on
her due date.
- The mother, her partner, any of her children or
any other member of the couple’s family tree has a genetic disorder or carries
a birth defect. Cases of developmental delay in any of the members should not
be overlooked.
- If the ultrasound or blood test reports reveal
that the pregnancy can be at risk due to certain medical complication. Or there
is s hint of a potential birth defect.
- If the couple is said to have an ‘at risk’
background, caused by ethnic factors. For example African, Asian and
Mediterranean are known to stand the risk due to crippling blood disorders. The
other possibilities include thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
