The magic of bringing a new life to earth hits differently. For expecting mothers, it is a whole new phase of their life. While on the journey, you might want to ensure that your child is transitioning through healthy stages.
With medical advancement, prenatal genetic testing gives you an edge during pregnancy. If you haven’t heard of this term before, we will help break it down to know your baby’s future.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is a type of test performed medically that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. These changes can reveal if there is any risk of developing certain diseases or conditions.
During pregnancy, it is often used to find out genetic disorders in the foetus. Simply said, genetic testing meaning is all about understanding your DNA. Since our DNA carries instructions for how our bodies grow, develop, and function, any changes in it could lead to health issues.
Types of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is categorised for specific purposes. Here are a few relevant to pregnancy and early childhood:
- Carrier Screening: Checks if parents carry genes for inherited disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia).
- Prenatal Genetic Testing: Detects genetic abnormalities in a foetus during pregnancy.
- Newborn Screening: Tests babies shortly after birth for certain conditions that are treatable if caught early.
- Diagnostic Testing: Confirms or rules out a known or suspected genetic condition.
- Predictive Testing: Assesses the risk of developing a genetic condition later in life.
What is a Prenatal Genetic Test?
Prenatal genetic testing is a medical procedure done during pregnancy to check if a baby is at risk for specific genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. These tests can be non-invasive, like a simple blood draw from the mother, or invasive, like amniocentesis, which involves sampling the amniotic fluid.
Some tests also involve DNA genetic testing, which looks closely at the baby’s genes if there are any specific changes or mutations. These changes can help doctors predict whether a child may develop certain genetic conditions or inherited disorders.
Read More: What Is The Non Invasive Prenatal Screening Test and Why It Matters
Why Consider Genetic Testing for Baby?
Genetic testing for your baby during pregnancy can reduce your worries. If the doctors predetermine any diseases or conditions, you get many benefits.
Here is why it could be the smartest choice:
-
Better Planning and Treatment
If a condition is detected early, parents and doctors can create a care plan early. Sometimes, they may even start treatment during pregnancy.
-
Right Choices
When you know about a potential condition early, it helps families prepare emotionally, financially, and logistically for their child’s healthcare needs.
-
Access to Support & Guidance
If a disorder is detected, genetic counselors and specialists step in to provide clarity and support.
-
Lower Risk
If you go with non-invasive genetic sequencing tests, these offer high accuracy without harming the mother or baby.
Genetic Testing for Autism: Is It Possible?
Autism is a complex condition that may develop due to many factors, and some genetic mutations have been linked to increased risk. This is why sometimes genetic testing for autism is done.
Advanced tests can sometimes identify the mutations during pregnancy or early childhood, but this is not clear for all cases of autism.
How is Genetic Testing Done?
The type of test you choose, the process varies accordingly. It can be as follows:
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): A simple blood draw from the mother that analyses the baby’s DNA circulating in her bloodstream. It is typically done after 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This type of test involves taking a small sample of the placenta, usually done between 11-13 weeks.
Amniocentesis: A sample of the amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus through needling. It is usually done between 16-20 weeks.
Each method is chosen based on the parents’ needs, medical history, and what your doctor guides.
Summing Up
There is so much power women hold to go through the pregnancy stages and give birth. Even after that, there are chances of childbirth with genetic disorders or diseases. To face it, prenatal genetic testing favours the parents a lot.
When you understand what it is and how it works, you can go ahead with the best possible start for your baby. Asking about DNA genetic testing or a genetic sequencing test during your prenatal visits can be a wise step toward ensuring your baby’s future health.
