Genetic Counseling & Testing

Every mother wants to give birth to a healthy baby. To rule out any chances of birth defects and complications, genetic testing is done. Genetic testing is not a norm for all pregnancy cases. It is done only in certain cases or those with a family history of certain diseases. Genetic testing improves the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby. Genetic tests are carried out during different stages of pregnancy. Genetic counseling helps expecting parents to understand the family traits that can be passed to the baby. Read on the importance of genetic testing to know more about it.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. In this articleWhy Should you Go for It?The Genetic Tests that are Carried Out areGenetic Counseling is Considered to be Extremely Beneficial in the Following SituationsWhy 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.

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.