Genetic Testing??

[doubles]

Hi,

This is my first pg and I am still getting upto speed on everything, so please bear with me :-)

I am six weeks pg and I was wondering is it normal to have tests for genetic disorders, and if it is at what stage does this happen? My husband was adopted so he doesnt know anything about his parents and whether they had any genetic issues. We thought it would be a good idea to do some tests if they are available.

We are booked into to go to the public hospital at 12 weeks for our scan and have just had a blood test done by the GP. I mentioned to my GP about genetic tests and he didnt seem to know much about it, or to concerned? Is it something I mention to the mid-wife at the hospital?

Any thoughts and help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sam

[Indadhanu]

I don't think its routine to get genetic tests unless there is a known problem, because there are so many tests they could do... The only test I know that is very common is when they do the NT measurements at 12 weeks... sometimes they do a test afterwards if the levels come back with high risk.

If you are pretty keen on it, talk to your midwife about seeing a genetic counsellor at your hospital, who can talk you through some of your concerns.

[kristy J]

Hi

At your 12-13 week scan they check for any signs of downsyndrome and give you a blood test. it will be a low med or high risk result.

I don't nkow of any other genetic tests, what problems would you want to test for?
any problems that might or might not arise during or after the birth is out of your control anyway. honestly i would mention it to your midwife if it makes you happier but i would think she would say not to worry.

just enjoy your pregnancy and focus on things like the baby room and the cute clothes you can buy, and names etc. us pg women panic enough without adding to the mix.and don't worry about your husband not knowing his biological history. we don't know much about my DH's either. and my son is perfectly healthy.

good luck with your pg....

[River]

The main test for genetic testing is the amnio, and since it carries a risk of miscarriage, you really should have a good think about whether or not you would terminate the pregnancy if something were found to be wrong. There also is CVS which can be done earlier than the amnio I think.

Unless you have suspiscions about a particular genetic disorder, it wouldn't be recommended anyways I don't think. The NT test done at 12 weeks is a pretty good indicator of Downs Syndrome, and outside of that and a few other common disorders (Cystic Fibrosis, Trisomy 13 etc) it's doubtful they would run a scan on *all* known genetic disorders. Perhaps one day they can, but now one genetic test costs about $1000 and is difficult.

All in all, unless you are looking for something specific you might not get what you are looking for. And you have to understand the risks of the tests themselves and be prepared for the outcomes if that were to happen.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and Welcome to BellyBelly .

[MummyTummy]

Hi Doubles,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope you have a H & H 9 months!

I won't say more about the tests as the others have covered it, but I just wanted to let you know that I understand how you feel about the lack of medical history. I am adopted myself and this being my first pregnancy I wasn't able to answer any family history of anything. But my Ob told me not to worry anyway, because every pregnancy is different and the genetic makeup is already decided at conception, which may or may not have anything to do with family history.

In a way it is better not knowing - you get the standard tests done such as the NT blood screen and scan and if all looks good from that you can just relax and enjoy the pregnancy. You don't have to worry about something that is carried by your family being passed on to the baby if you don't know it exists! Deal with any issues as they arise! If your DH hasn't had any health issues himself, chances are bubs won't either!

Good luck!