Should parents get preconception genetic testing?

Preconception genetic testing—also called carrier screening—is a way for parents to get a glimpse at their own genetic makeup and see what they may pass on to future children.

“Genetic testing is a way for future parents to determine their risk of having a child with a genetic disorder,” Rebecca Flyckt, M.D., an ob/gyn and reproductive endocrinologist at The Cleveland Clinic….

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[T]he decision whether to get carrier screening done in the first place can be complicated since there’s only so much you can learn from it. Here are six important things you need to know about preconception genetic testing if you’re considering having it done.

1. Preconception genetic testing can tell you what mutations you and your partner are carrying, but it can only tell you so much.
2. Screening can be done during pregnancy, though having it before gives you more options.
3. Your ethnicity and background can help determine which tests you should get.
4. One of the biggest downfalls of carrier screening is that your test results can be wrong.
5. Genetic testing can get pricey if your insurance doesn’t cover it.
6. More testing isn’t always better.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: 6 Things To Consider Before Getting Preconception Genetic Testing