Hi, my name is Katlyn. As a mum of four kids, I take their health very seriously. However, I also take my own parenting philosophies seriously. Because of that, I have always attempted to find doctors and health care providers who resonate with my style. That includes everything from their thoughts on how often to prescribe medication to how they speak to my children. If you want tips on finding the perfect healthcare provider, please explore these posts. They contain everything I have learned over the years, and I hope my experiences can really help other mums and families! Take Care, Katlyn.
Choosing a Health Care Provider Who Matches Your Parenting Philosophies
Three Fundamental Tips for Planning for Genetic Screening
Zoey Olson
Genetic screening is a beneficial process which is designed to identify abnormal or defective genes. In general, this form of testing is intended to help individuals who have the intention to have a baby. The goal of the screening is to help the potential parents understand the risk of the baby inheriting genes which could manifest as a disease or disorder. Here are some core guidelines on planning for genetic screening.
Choose a Suitable Clinic
You should select a good health care clinic for the genetic screening process. There are numerous factors which you must consider before choosing the best place. The most important is the range of services provided. Under normal circumstances, the clinic should offer preconception and prenatal screening. Also, there should be genetic counselling and a professional who can give clear guidance on the reproduction options in case a test is positive for a genetic disease or disorder.
Discuss the Testing Need
It is not advisable to proceed with genetic testing if there is no real need. In simple terms, the screening process should only be carried out if there is a significant risk of the baby getting an inherited disease or disorder. Ideally, you should visit the selected health care clinic for a consultation. Then, inquire about the need for this form of testing. The specialist will look at your medical records and discuss your family history with you before giving you their recommendation.
There are some risk factors which often lead to this recommendation. For instance, older women have an increased probability of bearing offspring with chromosomal problems. Old men might also contribute to a higher risk of genetic defects. If there is a history of genetic diseases or the parents might be related, the testing will minimise the chance of the manifestation of harmful recessive genes. Additionally, the screen will help if there have been problems with past pregnancies and births.
Think about the Timing
You should consider the best timing for scheduling the genetic screening. In an ideal situation, the testing should be conducted before an attempt to get pregnant. This approach will give you peace of mind as you attempt to conceive, or you can develop the right game plan if there is a positive test. However, a pregnancy might be unplanned. If this is your case, you and your partner can be screened for harmful genes. Alternatively, you can have a prenatal screening test conducted through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. The prenatal testing will detect any genetic anomalies in the unborn foetus.
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