Genetic Screening Specialist

What is genetic testing?

In the context of pregnancy, genetic testing is testing that your Beach Obstetrics and Gynecology doctor can perform at various stages during your pregnancy, including before you get pregnant. 

Depending on what the tests are, they can perform them via blood testing, saliva testing, specialized ultrasounds, or a combination of one or more of these.

Before you get pregnant, genetic testing can help you determine:

• The likelihood that you'll give birth to a child with a birth defect
• If you have any STDs or other communicable infections that you can pass onto your child
• If you or your partner are genetic carriers for inherited diseases (ex. cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, etc.)

During your second trimester, you can secure genetic testing for things like: 

• Chromosomal disorders
• Neural tube defects 
• Spina bifida
• Down syndrome
• Cleft palate
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems

Who needs genetic testing?

Anyone can opt to get genetic testing done, but it’s most important for:

• People with a personal or family history of genetic disorders or birth defects
• Women over the age of 35
• People in ethnic groups that have a higher likelihood for a certain disorder
• People with a family history of mental retardation

The reason that genetic testing is more important after the age of 35 is that, as women age, the likelihood of complications, such as Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities, increase.

What if my genetic test comes back positive?

If your test, whether it’s a carrier gene test or a test for birth defects, comes back positive, you may feel powerless or unsure of what to do next. Your next steps are up to you. However, the staff at Beach Obstetrics and Gynecology is ready to help.

After a screening, they go over your results with you in detail and make sure you understand what they mean. They answer all your questions and can offer advice on further testing, or how to proceed to keep your pregnancy healthy. 

If you make the difficult decision to not begin or to terminate a pregnancy, the staff is here to guide you through that process as well.

Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions for you and your family. If you’d like to invest in genetic testing before or during your pregnancy, reach out to the caring and compassionate team at Beach Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Group. To book your consultation, use the online booking tool or call the practice today.