Ever since the evolution of human species, it has been a legacy to pass our properties, heritage, values and ethics to our next generation. But we should know that we also pass on our genes. As soon as a child is born, the first thing that the parents look for is their resemblance to them. The child is compared with his/her parents whose facial features the newborn carry.
Are you passing just the facial features to your child?
Every parent wishes to see their child with their traits and features, but the question lies, are we only passing our features to our child? Many couples are unaware of the fact that along with their traits and features, their little one is also inheriting their genetic disorders. A genetic disorder is a defect in an individual’s genes which can manifest itself in severe symptoms of life-threatening disorders such as Beta Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Cystic Fibrosis, and Fragile X disorder and many more. Data from World Health Organization (WHO) states that 10 in every 1000 live births suffer from genetic disorders.
Thalassemia- a genetic blood disorder which leads to the abnormal formation of haemoglobin. The symptoms are of various kinds and can vary as well. If both the parents are a carrier of this disorder, then the chances of having a child affected with Thalassemia is 25%. 1 out of every 300 is thalassemia carrier and it is very important to know that carriers of Thalassemia are healthy individuals. The only risk (25%) they carry is for their about to be born baby, in case both parents are the carrier of this disorder.
Realize before it gets late
Most parents realize they are carriers of a genetic mutation when an affected child is born. Genetic disorders like Thalassemia cannot be cured but can be prevented by getting yourself and your partner screened. Before thinking about family planning it is important for the couple to determine the risk of having a child with a genetic disorder. Carrier Genetic Test (CGT) developed by Igenomix is an advanced genetic screening test which can be taken by the couple before opting for parenthood. The test reveals whether a couple is at risk of having a baby with one of these serious disorders. If so, one can take steps to promote the birth of a healthy baby. Even if both the couples are carriers of a genetic disorder they can still have a healthy baby with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) or Prenatal Diagnosis.