“Congratulations! There is a new life within you.” Can you expect any other news after your marriage? But wait! Control your feelings until you hold your little one. During this nine-month journey, you should be careful about your and your baby’s health. When discussing your baby’s health, note that frequent visits to your gynaecologist are necessary for genetic testing. “Why genetic testing?”- This is your question- Right? For an answer, you must refer to the best gynaecologist in Tirupati. Around 95% of parents opt for genetic testing. This blog will discuss everything expecting parents should know about genetic testing during pregnancy.
Understanding Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is a medical examination most gynaecologists suggest during pregnancy. This test checks your DNA to find differences in your genes or chromosomes. Do you know why finding these differences matter? These differences, scientifically termed mutation, can lead the child to get dangerous medical conditions in the future or genetic problems. So, do you want your child to get these problems? If not, go and get the genetic testing done today. Note the following merits of genetic testing:
- It helps you learn how likely your child is to get these diseases in future.
- Through this test, you can also know if your child has these diseases in your womb.
Testing Methods:
Healthcare experts can use any of these methods to do your genetic testing- Amniocentesis, blood tests, or Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). Through CVS, the medical professional takes a sample of placental cells. In amniocentesis, the examiner takes a sample of amniotic fluid. In some situations, the examiner may also use Ultrasound and DNA Testing methods. Note that there are some criteria for these tests. The examiner assesses your mother’s age, your family and medical history. You can rely on the best gynecology doctors in Tirupati for more details.
Different forms of genetic testing during pregnancy:
- Carriers Screening- The medical examiner conducts this test during the earlier stages of pregnancy. The purpose of this test is to discover if the would-be parents have any genetic disorders. Carriers in this context refer to people who bear an “altered” gene or a mutant, though no one can see the signs of it. Parents may think that they are fit. But if they have any genetic disorder, their child may also get it.
- Parental Screening- First-trimester Screening and Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) are some examples of prenatal screening methods that do not give a clear-cut remedy. Instead, they assess how likely a child is to get chromosomal defects like Down Syndrome or neural tube malformations. Some common examples of prenatal screening are blood tests, cell-free DNA screening, and ultrasounds.
Will this test affect the safety of your child?
If you go for cheek swab tests or blood tests, it will most likely not affect the safety and health of you and your child. But yes, if you go for your doctor’s advice, they will most likely not suggest prenatal testing, like CVS and Amniocentesis. They advise these tests only if they feel that the possibility of your child getting these disorders is high. Though less, these tests may result in your miscarriage. But yes, it may affect your emotional health and is costly. So, be careful while deciding on it.
What is the role of these tests in parental screening?
Through genetic testing, you can learn about your child’s health. Now, suppose that the doctor detected a genetic disorder in your child. Hence, you can discuss it with the doctor and start its treatment. In that case, your child is lucky as it will not face such dangerous health issues. Well, pat your back on this wise decision!
And yes, from now on, you don’t need to be worried about your child’s health. After all, why should you? Since you know the problem, the doctor can immediately start the treatment if you permit them. Suppose the testing shows that the likelihood of your child getting genetic disorders is high. Hence, you may change your delivery plans. The testing will make you emotionally stable and help you plan your budget.
Follow these tips when looking for a gynaecologist:
- Emergency care– The pregnancy journey of some ladies is challenging. They face many health issues and severe pain. It is more painful during the delivery day. Sometimes, the situation is so complicated that they can save a child or mother. Thus, check how they help pregnant ladies in such situations. What decisions they make, and how wise and successful their choices are.
- Nature– As you all know, a pregnant woman has mood swings due to hormonal changes. At some point, they get worried and feel stressed. Being educated, they know about these hormonal changes and mood swings. Hence, check how understanding, affectionate, and supportive they are.
- Facilities– Medical science is getting better day by day. Do you know that every single day, there are thousands of medical devices made? Note that these devices are according to the latest medical standards. Thus, look for a doctor who uses the best equipment. In addition, ensure that the doctor gives you the best support. Imagine that you are facing health problems during your third trimester, and you are so weak that you cannot visit the doctor. In such a case, the doctor should be able to help you online or over a call. Thus, ensure that your chosen doctor gives facilities like a quicker online appointment for meeting emergencies.
Conclusion– Since pregnancy is a crucial stage for every woman, you must look after the health of yourself and your child. The best way to secure your child’s future is through genetic testing. Around 95% of parents go for this test. Through genetic testing, you can know how likely it is for your child to get these genetic disorders. In addition, you can learn if you have this disease and whether your baby’s health is good during your pregnancy. The test methods are blood tests, CVS, DNA Tests, Ultrasound, etc. Consider emergency care, affectionate nature, and the facilities these doctors give, and look for a pediatric doctor for your child.