Starting the journey as a couple, the most beautiful phase that is experienced by them is to give birth to a new life and add a member to their family, hence to avoid any kind of circumstances that might affect the health of the baby, it is very essential for a going to be parent to get correct information related to the health of the baby and if any kind of complication is found, the complication to be fixed. This is where the genetic screening procedure steps in, providing correct information related to the alterations in chromosomes or genes that could cause severe health issues.
Genetic screening is the procedure that is done in the pre-pregnancy stage, where the physician checks for the possible risks that might occur and that can be avoided, leading to fewer complications and guaranteeing that a healthy baby can be delivered successfully. We at Ganga Laxmi IVF Lucknow mainly focus on the knowledge and preparation for the couple that can help to a healthy pregnancy without facing any problems.
In this blog, we are here to guide you with a term Genetic Screening that is done in the pre-stage of pregnancy or even during the pregnancy. Here, you will get complete information related to the importance of Genetic Screening, along with the types of tests that are to be done and the correct time you should consider for going through this procedure.
What is Genetic Screening?
For mentioning Genetic Screening in simple terms, it is a medical procedure in which a parent going to give birth to a baby undergoes a test in which the alterations or changes that are observed in the genes or chromosomes, or even the proteins, which cause an abnormal health condition, are detected, which can be avoided through a few precautions. The medical term that is used for this change, or alteration, is known as Mutation, and the genetic issues that may be detected include Thalassemia. cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome.
Now, the major question that can arise might be whether it is confirmed for the person with the detected alteration to have the problem. The answer to this is no, as this test is used to make the person aware that there might be some abnormal condition detected in the baby and hence to be prepared for fixing the problem and to advise them to be safe and informed in the course of pregnancy.
What is the importance of Genetic Screening?
Many genetic disorders might not be present in the parents. Your partner and you may be perfectly healthy, yet you may have a gene that may be transferred to your child. Genetic screening helps in recognising mutated genes and in the discovery of those undetectable, unrecognised health problems that can be transferred to the baby.
Hence, Genetic Screening plays an important role because of the following reasons that can be helpful for the couple going to be parents. The reasons include:
- Peace of mind for the couple as they can be stress-free for the well-being of the baby, which is developing well.
- When any kind of problem is detected, it can be detected in the initial stage and can be fixed with the treatment in the best possible way.
- If the issue is detected, the couple can also discuss with the physician related to the choices of the treatment, along with the special care and other methodologies that can be opted for to bring a newborn to the world in case of necessity.
- With the help of screening, the parent can give birth to a baby
Who should think about Genetic Screening?
It is generally considered that every couple going to start a new journey of parenthood should go for a Genetic screening test, but more importantly, it is for the parent when the following condition is seen in either partner. The conditions include that either of the partners has a health issue related to genetics in their family, or the couple has gone through various miscarriages, or the complications that are related to pregnancy. The condition might also be age-related, as a person above 35 years old may face complications and many more. With this in mind, screening is not an expression of concern; it is an expression of care and duty.
Genetic Screening Before Pregnancy
With the genetic screening before pregnancy, the couple will be able to get the awareness related to any kind of health-related issues that might be caused by gene alterations that are inherited from their family, and hence take steps to avoid those risks beforehand. The common genetic screening tests that are included to be done before pregnancy include: Some common tests include:
- Carrier Screening: This is a test that finds out whether you or your partner possesses a mutated gene that may be inherited by your child. When the two partners are affected with the same condition, the risks of the baby being affected are high. The usual diseases that are tested are cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): PGT can be helpful to couples who have undergone IVF. It takes the genetic tests of the embryos before implantation of the embryo to ensure that only healthy embryos are transferred into the womb. This decreases the chances of miscarriage and prioritises a healthy pregnancy.
- Chromosomal Analysis (Karyotyping): This test is done to test the format and quantity of your DNA chromosomes. Any anomalies, including a lack of or an extra number of chromosomes, may result in disorders such as Down syndrome.
Genetic Screening When Pregnant
After pregnancy sets in, some screening may be done to keep track of the growth of the baby and in case of any concern.
First Trimester Screening
This consists of a blood test and an ultrasound scan ( nuchal translucency test ) to calculate the risk of having Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome or Patau syndrome. It is generally carried out between the 11th the 14th week of pregnancy.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
An extremely precise blood test that examines remnants of the baby’s DNA being carried in the blood of the mother. NIPT can identify the presence of a chromosomal condition at an early stage with no danger to the baby.
Second Trimester Screening
This blood test is also referred to as the quadruple test, and it is conducted to measure four substances in the blood of the mother to establish whether the chromosomes are abnormal or the neural tube is defective.
Ultrasound Scans
Extensive ultrasounds in pregnancy ensure that the doctor examines the growth rate of the baby, the organs and general development of that baby. It is often possible to identify structural abnormalities in this manner.
Invasive Diagnostic Tests
In case of some high-risk indications in screening, medical practitioners can test, such as amniocentesis (testing of amniotic fluid) or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) (testing of placental tissue). These offer a definite diagnosis, but are normally advised when needed.
Is Genetic Screening Safe?
Most screening tests, like blood tests and ultrasounds, are completely safe and can in no way be invasive. Invasive techniques like amniocentesis also have the lowest risk of risk and are only done when a need arises. With new practices like NIPT and PGT, safety and accuracy have gone way up, and this has made the screening a safe option for the parents.
Emotional Side of Genetic Screening
Naturally, couples should be afraid of genetic screening. The idea of risks may be daunting. However, keep in mind that screening is not a process of identifying the wrongdoers; it is about building the future of better health.
In Ganga Laxmi IVF, we not only offer services related to medical support but also emotional counselling that assists couples to come to terms with the results and make sure decisions.
The Benefits of Genetic Screening to IVF Couples.
Genetic screening would be of great importance among couples undergoing IVF. Preimplantation Genetic Testing guarantees that only healthy embryos are chosen to make sure that there is less chance of miscarriage or hereditary disorders. It makes couples more confident and more likely to have a successful pregnancy.
We are Ganga Laxmi IVF, and we combine the use of advanced genetic testing with IVF treatments to provide couples with the highest possible likelihood of having their dream of parenthood.
Genetic Screening Management
You can prepare by screening in the following way:
- Report on the medical history of your family to your physician.
- Be open-minded in asking questions; there is no small concern.
- Stay emotionally prepared. Not all results are problems; they only lead you on your way.
- Give your partner a chance to participate in all the steps, since it is a collective process.
Final Words
Pregnancy is a period of expectation, hope, and love. Genetic screening will not be based on the fear-building approach; it is a confidence-building approach. It informs couples with information, enables early preparation and provision of maximum care to the mother and baby.
At Ganga Laxmi IVF Best IVF Center in Lucknow, we have a combination of the latest genetic technologies and caring treatment where every couple feels that they are supported in every step. As a pregnant or already pregnant individual, genetic screening can give you a healthy and happier future for your child. Your journey to parenthood is safety, love, and trust, and we are there to walk that journey with you.