If you’re an expectant mother, periodic testing is to be expected. However there are some tests that not all expectant mothers know about. Prenatal genetic screening is one such type of test.
If you or your spouse has a known history of genetic disorders, prenatal screening can provide invaluable information. However, genetic disorders can also be caused by a whole lot of other things, including the medications you take, infections during pregnancy, and even your eating habits.
Congenital disorders don’t only affect your baby’s health, but can also complicate your pregnancy. Here are some key reasons why prenatal genetic screening tests are beneficial for almost all expectant mothers.
It Allows You To Plan Your Pregnancies Better
One thing is for sure: no two pregnancies are going to be exactly alike. You might think that you’ve got it all covered because you gave birth before, but genetic disorders can be unpredictable, too.
By knowing more about your genetic health and the genetic health of your baby, you can prepare for the future and ensure that your children do not inherit your disorders. Moreover, better knowledge of your health conditions can also help medical staff ensure that you get all the information and care that you need.
It Helps You Prepare For The Birth Of Your Child
Genetic conditions vary, and while some barely affect your life, others can require lifelong treatment. If your child has a genetic disorder, knowing about it at an early stage can help you prepare yourself and allow you to gather all the necessary resources you need before they arrive.
Genetic screenings provide early knowledge that helps you make decisions along the way. In some cases, early knowledge of genetic disorders in babies can help doctors prevent the condition from aggravating. Screenings can help you be prepared for what’s to come so that you can ensure the best for your newborn.
It Protects Your Child From Heritable Disorders
Genetic disorders may sound rare, but interestingly, the statistics say otherwise. Approximately 65% of the population has health conditions due to genetic disorders, and according to current research, 1 in every 150 live births will show chromosomal abnormalities. It has also been observed that genetic disorders may occur in following pregnancies even if they did not occur during your first pregnancy.
Genetic testing can help you make sure that your disorders are not inherited by your children. With over 600 genetic disorders being treatable and preventable, screenings can help you avoid the possibility of your children inheriting your genetic defects and can open up pathways for early intervention and prevention.
It Helps You Avoid Any Complications During Birth
Giving birth to a child with genetic defects can cause several complications for mothers. Therefore, prior knowledge about the genetic health and development of your unborn child is crucial. Knowing about your child’s genetic conditions will allow your doctors to choose the optimal method for inducing labor that will keep both you and your child safe and healthy.
It Directs You Toward the Right Care
Being prepared for your child’s birth can be incredibly nerve-racking, especially when you have little knowledge about their disorder or don’t have access to the right resources. Support groups are geared to help parents get through such situations, and getting in touch with a support group before your child’s birth can be of great help.
Furthermore, turning to a support group can give you a helpful and knowledgeable support system as you navigate through the mysteries and uncertainties of parenthood. Moreover, they can also help you find the right medical professionals and organizations who can help your child become healthier.
If you’ve been putting off your genetic screening test, it’s important to realize exactly why they’re so important. From providing you with essential knowledge to empowering you about how to care for your little one, your actions today can make a huge difference in your child’s life in the future.
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