All of us have questions about our genetic makeup. Some of us know that a particular health condition, like cystic fibrosis, mental retardation, cancer or early heart attack runs in our family. Expectant parents may have concerns about their child having a birth defect. Often families question how to best manage a genetic condition or birth defect and where they can get help. When a genetic condition or birth defect happens, family members often ask:
Is there a known cause, some condition that can be treated or prevented?
Why did this happen?
What are medical management issues?
What can we expect in the future?
Is there a test to detect this?
Can this be detected in the future pregnancies?
Where can we go for more information and help?
When you have questions like these, it’s important to ask your doctor about them. Your doctor can help you decide about the benefits of a genetic consultation for you. Genetic evaluation and counseling can help answer some of these questions. Please keep in mind that the number of genetic conditions that can be tested for is increasing at a rapid pace.
All of us have questions about our genetic makeup. Some of us know that a particular health condition, like cystic fibrosis, mental retardation, cancer or early heart attack runs in our family. Expectant parents may have concerns about their child having a birth defect. Often families question how to best manage a genetic condition or birth defect and where they can get help. When a genetic condition or birth defect happens, family members often ask: