A couple considering a pregnancy plan may consider selecting genetic counseling. Genetic counselor, whether there is some risk in the couple with the baby, what is its risk, restrictions on risk, influence on the baby, available options couple.
Genetic counselors can conduct career testing and screening tests to evaluate couple and risk factors. If both parents turn out to be carriers, each child has 25% the chance to inherit the disease. Neural tube defects, spina bifida and anencephalopathy are detected by conducting tests such as the α-fetoprotein (AFP) test. Cardiac defects, malformations such as head, face, body, limbs, etc., can be noticed by ultrasonography. Genetic and developmental disorders are detected by amniocentesis and Down's syndrome can be detected by chorionic sampling. The cost of these tests is 100 to 2000 dollars.
Genetic counseling helps to identify possible genetic disorders such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and senile plaques. Thalassemia is a common blood disorder among the people of the Mediterranean, Africa and South Asia. Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder common in African Americans. Cystic fibrosis is a common lung and digestive system disorder among Caucasians. Tay-Sachs disease is a disease that causes fatal brain injury and occurs frequently in people of the ancestors of Eastern European Jews. These tests probably will eliminate the need for testing during pregnancy.
When thinking about genetic counseling
A doctor may recommend visiting a genetic counselor if the age of the mother is over 35 years. This is because older mothers are at risk of giving birth to children with problems such as Down's syndrome. If parents are closely related, genetic counseling may be necessary as well. We may consider examination if parents have birth defects or if there are children before having genetic defects or mental retardation.
One of the important tasks during pre-pregnancy planning is to visit a genetic counselor if your parents have sexually transmitted diseases, miscarriage history, or if you are giving birth. Neonatal death of the previous child, physical deformation of the parent, infertility, specific family history, etc. are other factors that also require genetic counseling.
If parents are infectious during pregnancy, are suffering from pregnancy infections with a history of medical conditions such as epilepsy, early onset of heart disease, Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis, they advance Counseling to know if it is better to have children.
Some couples are exposed to harmful teratogenicity and may choose genetic counseling. Chemical substances such as heavy metals, radiation, solvents, fumes, toxic substances, pesticides and the like may cause congenital defects, so it is better to avoid contact with such substances from the early stages of pregnancy.
Couples are encouraged to read books on various genetic issues that may exist and risks associated with such problems. If risk factors are identified, you can receive detailed analysis on how to deal with genetic counseling.
Genetic counseling helps avoid pregnancy complications and pregnancy risks.
