As parents, we all want to help make sure that our children get the best start in life. Whether it’s related to their health, their early education, or even their preferred sports or other extracurricular activities – we always want the best for our kids. However, sometimes genetic disorders and overall health conditions are outside of our control.
Genetic disorders are health conditions that children inherit from either one or both of their parents. Some common genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, cancer, and thalassemia, and many of these conditions cannot be cured. For this reason, it is important to take essential steps to either prevent these disorders from manifesting or to ensure that these diseases aren’t aggravated in the long run.
Get Regularly Screened For Genetic Disorders
Genetic testing during pregnancy is a very important procedure that not all expectant mothers are aware of. Genetic testing involves taking a sample of your amniotic fluid or placenta tissue to identify the genetic health of your developing baby. These tests are carried out during the first and second trimesters and can identify certain genetic disorders or missing chromosomes.
These screenings can help doctors carry out the necessary steps to control the mutation and also allow you to be prepared for the birth of your child. Although genetic disorders are unfortunately incurable, with early detection children can still live a healthy life regardless of their diagnosis.
Approve Newborn Screening Tests For Your Baby
The United States has a newborn screening public health program where, with the parents’ permission, infants are screened for metabolic and genetic conditions shortly after birth. Early detection and intervention can help improve a child’s health, and in some cases, early intervention can also completely cure a disorder.
Making sure that your newborn is screened for genetic disorders can significantly improve their quality of life. Post-birth screening is especially necessary if you haven’t carried out prenatal genetic screenings. However, newborn screenings often provide more accurate results and can detect other disorders that weren’t previously found in the prenatal screening results.
Make Healthy Choices During Pregnancy
Even subtle actions during your pregnancy can affect your baby and your overall health. Establishing healthy habits – such as regular exercise and avoiding smoking, tobacco products, and alcoholic drinks – can significantly help your child be more healthy, and avoid the risk of genetic conditions worsening. During this period, and especially if this is your first pregnancy, you should also get yourself tested for allergies and immune reactions.
Watching your diet is also an important step in ensuring that your baby is healthy. Not only should you eat healthy foods, but you should also maintain a healthy weight as this aids the development of your child and helps prevent genetic disorders.
Get the Right Medications and Vaccinations
The right medications and vaccines go long way in making sure that your baby is healthy during pregnancy. Doctors can use the information they gather during genetic screening to recommend medications that can prevent genetic disorders, when available.
Genetic Testing For Genetic Disorders
Some genetic disorders cannot be traced during initial tests. They tend to develop as your child gets older, so keeping track of your child’s genetic health during this period is crucial. If your family has a history of genetic disorders, you should ensure that getting genetic testing is a part of your child’s personal health plan.
Final Tip: Listen To What The Doctor Says
Genetic screening and testing are invaluable, but understanding the results is also important. Educating yourself about what the results mean can make treatment decisions easier.
Talking to a healthcare provider or genetic counselor is the best way to shed light on testing results. Whether your little one may need extra care during its developmental years or it’s got a clean bill of health, taking these measures – and making genetic and health testing a priority – can help ensure the best possible outcome in the long term.
