Thinking about trying to get pregnant? Before you start tracking ovulation, buying a prenatal vitamin, or waiting for those two pink lines, there are a few questions worth asking yourself.
In this guide, board-certified genetic counselor Ushta Davar Canteenwalla shares 5 questions to answer before trying to get pregnant- questions that can help you think through your family history, genetic testing, carrier screening, pregnancy testing, and, most importantly, what information you actually want to have before and during pregnancy.
You don't need to know everything before you start trying. But understanding what you want to know; and what you would do with that information can help you approach pregnancy with more clarity and confidence.
Read the full article to learn what to consider before pregnancy, including:
• What “a healthy baby” means to you
• What genetic information you would want to know
• Why your family history matters, even when it seems completely reassuring
• Why some genetic testing may be worth considering before pregnancy
• How to think about carrier screening and the timing of genetic testing
• What you might do with different test results
If you're planning a pregnancy or thinking about starting a family, this is a good place to begin.
#PlanningAPregnancy #Preconception #GeneticTesting
If you've been told you have an MTHFR variant or have seen it mentioned in online pregnancy forums, you're not alone. MTHFR has become a buzzword in recent years—often linked to everything from miscarriage risk to the need for special supplements. But what does the science actually say? In this post, we break down the facts behind MTHFR, clear up common myths, and help you understand what (if anything) this means for your fertility or pregnancy. Spoiler: it’s probably not as concerning as you've been led to believe.
Genetic testing is a powerful tool for people who are trying to conceive; but it’s only helpful if you actually understand your options and their implications.
Here’s everything you need to know about genetic testing while trying to conceive, including the key questions to ask along the way.
Considering IVF and genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A, PGT-M)? It’s essential to ensure your fertility clinic aligns with your goals, especially regarding embryo transfer policies and genetic testing. After talking with many couples on this journey, I’ve noticed recurring questions that can impact your IVF experience and outcomes.
This post highlights three essential questions to ask your clinic:
Transfer Policy on Non-Euploid Embryos: Does your clinic consider transferring embryos with mosaic or segmental aneuploidy?
Mosaicism Reporting by Testing Labs: Are mosaic results reported, or does your clinic choose to categorize embryos strictly as normal or abnormal?
Access to Genetic Counseling: Does your clinic work directly with a genetic counselor to guide you through testing and transfer decisions?
These questions only scratch the surface, but they’re key to setting the right expectations. If you’re looking for more support or have questions about your journey, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.
Embarking on the journey of family planning? Discover the crucial role of genetic counseling in helping you make informed, confident decisions about your reproductive future. In this essential guide, we explore how genetic counseling assesses risks, provides personalized health management, and supports you emotionally, ensuring a healthier future for your family. Dive in to learn how genetic insights can shape your family planning decisions and bring peace of mind.
Genetic testing in pregnancy is optional, and learning about what information each of these tests gives you allows you the opportunity to vocalize what information you do or do not want to know.
The recent NY Times article brought to light the fact that many women are not fully informed about the accuracy of prenatal tests, such as NIPT. In this post, I break down the 3 facts my patients wish they knew earlier.
How to interpret Donor Carrier screening reports.