Planning Ahead: A Look at Genetic Carrier Screening Before Pregnancy

Choosing to have a baby with your partner or spouse is a massive decision, and it’s natural to check all the boxes before moving forward. An estimated 3.6 million babies were born in the United States in 2022, and you can join the ranks of happy parents with family planning and patience.

One of the best ways to enhance the odds of a healthy child is by getting genetic carrier screening for you and your spouse. It’s a step toward peace of mind before you embark on one of the most significant decisions of your life.

The good news is that you’re reading the perfect guide to learn more about genetic testing before getting pregnant. Continue reading to determine if the benefits are ideal for your situation today!

What Is Genetic Carrier Screening?

Genetic testing is a vital step for family planning. It’s an opportunity to detect genetic mutations you would never have known about. You can use at-home genetic testing to identify genes that result in specific disorders for your offspring.

The two types of carrier screenings to consider are targeted and expanded tests. You can use targeted tests to look at family history and ethnicity. The process involves taking blood and saliva samples to identify conditions in your lineage.

Expanded carrier testing is an excellent option to test for many genetic disorders. You can identify genetic conditions regardless of ethnicity and family history. You can check out this this premium dna test kit to better understand what to expect if you and your partner decide to have children.

When Is the Best Time for Genetic Testing?

It’s ideal to undergo genetic testing before getting pregnant. You’ll have time to identify the risks and determine if it’s the best course for your family. You and your partner will know the dangers of genetic conditions you’ll pass on to your offspring.

You can’t identify every possible issue with genetic testing, but it provides a much clearer picture of what you should expect. The testing will provide more information to help you make the best decision possible.

Meet with your doctor before deciding to undergo genetic carrier screening. Some potential parents don’t want that information before deciding to have children. You must make the best decision for your health, body, and peace of mind.

Genetic Conditions to Look For

Your genetic testing will look for several conditions and genetic mutations in you and your partner. The average test looks for hundreds of disorders. It provides doctors and potential parents an opportunity to avoid the transmission of inherited genetic disorders.

Combined with genetic counseling, parents can identify the risks of starting a family. It’s a vital step toward making the best decision for the future. Here’s a closer look at the primary genetic conditions the test looks for.

Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome is one of the primary reasons behind intellectual disabilities in children. It’s also one of the top things your at-home genetic testing looks for. It’s an inherited disorder that you can avoid by scheduling genetic carrier screening for you and your partner.

Many children born with Fragile X Syndrome have lower IQ scores, developmental delays, and health conditions, including seizures and autism. Knowing this genetic disorder is crucial before choosing to conceive a baby.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is another genetic condition your testing will identify. Learning about the risk of giving birth to a baby with cystic fibrosis is beneficial to help you make the best decision. An estimated 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis, which is a disease that affects the pancreas, lungs, and other vital organs.

A common effect of cystic fibrosis is a significant struggle with breathing. The cause is traced to the body’s challenges in processing a particular type of protein. It results in a buildup of mucus in the lungs.

Tay-Sachs Disease

Any person can carry the genetics for Tay-Sachs Disease. The most common lineage for carrying the condition is people with Ashkenazi Jewish lineage. One in 27 people with Ashkenazi Jewish lineage carry Tay-Sachs disease.

Learning more about your ancestry is an excellent way to protect your future children from genetic conditions that could tarnish their quality of life. The symptoms are significant, with individuals suffering seizures, dementia, and decreased muscle tone.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease is a significant focal point for genetic testing. An estimated 100,000 people in the US have Sickle Cell Disease, and it’s an inherited genetic condition you can detect with genetic carrier screening.

It’s most common with individuals who have African American or Black ancestors, though the disease can affect individuals of any race. Red blood cell disorders are typical in individuals with Sickle Cell Disease.

The disorders will result in anemia, blood clots, and infections. Identifying the risk for Sickle Cell Disease is vital when determining whether to have children.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a condition that weakens the muscles in the body, and it’s one of the more common genetic conditions in the United States. One in 6,000 babies are born with SMA. Symptoms vary from case to case.

Children born with this genetic condition will require extensive physical and occupational therapy to maintain muscle and get the most from life. Support devices like wheelchairs and breathing apparatuses are also common with this condition.

It’s crucial to note that symptoms will worsen as your child ages. There’s no known cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Identifying the risk for this disease will help you benefit from having more information before deciding to have children.

Schedule Your Genetic Carrier Screening Today

Choosing to start a family with your partner is exciting, but taking the proper steps before proceeding toward conception is vital. Genetic carrier screening is one of the best ways to gain information about genetic mutations and conditions you carry and could pass on to your baby. You’ll identify carrier diseases and the risk of passing them to your future children.

Gathering information is a crucial step when making a life-changing decision. Explore our Lifestyle articles and guides for the best tips to improve your life today!