Detection of baby's genetic defects
Emory Women Clinic offers genetic testing available to patients with or suspected of having genetic diseases, birth defects, reproductive complications, or cancer risks. These tests can help identify your personal risk and family history of cancer. They can also determine if your baby will be at risk for certain inherited conditions, some of which can be life-threatening or seriously affect quality of life. Call today or schedule an appointment using the online tool.
There are different options available, in whom you are pregnant to evaluate certain genetic conditions and defects of the baby.
The exams available to you at Emory Women Clinic are scrutiny (inquiry) or diagnostic.
Screening tests are non-invasive and identify the personal risk of having a baby with abnormal conditions, generally provide reassuring results and no future tests are required if the result is negative or low risk.
Diagnostic tests are procedures.
invasive that will indicate with certainty the presence of a genetic abnormality or defect in the baby such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or neural tube defects; although the woman can choose to perform them or not.
Prenatal screening
of genetic conditions
and baby defects
What is genetic screening?
The genetic test gives you information about the risk of your baby being born or developing certain genetic abnormalities. It informs you if you or your partner are carriers of a genetic disorder that could be transmitted to your baby, so that you have peace of mind before you get pregnant and can make informed decisions about the future or your family. Genetic screening can also identify your personal risk and family history of cancer.
What Happens During Genetic Screening?
Genetic testing usually involves testing the blood of both partners. Serious genetic conditions tend to be recessive, which means that both the mother and father must pass the gene on for the baby to develop the disorder. So if both mom and dad carry a gene for a particular condition, the baby has a 25% chance of being born with the condition.
What can genetic screening identify?
Many serious conditions can be identified by genetic testing. These include: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Fragile X syndrome Cystic fibrosis Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia Tay-Sachs disease Spinal muscle atrophy In total, more than 400 different disorders can be identified by testing. You should raise any specific concerns about a particular condition that runs in your family with the doctors at Emory Women Clinic during your initial consultation.
Who should consider genetic screening?
Patients with a family history of cancer should consider genetic screening. You can also opt for a genetic screening test to be calm before starting a family. You can also benefit from a genetic test based on your personal or family medical history.
Can genetic testing be done during pregnancy?
Genetic screening can be done during pregnancy. Since the test is done through the blood, there is no risk to the baby when doing this test. For more information on genetic screening, call the Emory Women Clinic, or book an appointment online.