Metabolic and Genetic Disorders
Pregnancy can be a worrisome time for some parents-to-be. You may find yourself wondering daily about your baby's prenatal health, happiness, and development. Genetic disorders are often of special concern to many expectant couples. Genetic disorders can put your baby at risk for slow mental and physical development, physical defects, and lifelong illnesses. However, new screening tests are now available to help detect these genetic disorders before your baby is born. These can help to ensure that your baby receives the appropriate medical attention and treatment after birth.
Some genetic disorders are hereditary. Parents can sometimes carry a defective gene inside of their DNA. When two parents with the same defective gene conceive a child together, their baby will also be born with this defective gene. This can sometimes result in a genetic disorder. While chromosomal disorders can be hereditary, they can also develop after fertilization, as the embryo splits during development.
- Downs Syndrome
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Tay-Sachs Disease
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Testing for Genetic Diseases
- Spina Bifida