Genetic Screening
Genetic screening is an important part of prenatal care, offering early insight into your baby’s health and risk for inherited conditions. These safe, non-invasive tests help identify whether you or your partner carry genes that could affect your baby and assess whether your pregnancy may be at higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities.
At Legacy For Women in Henderson, NV, we provide comprehensive genetic screening and counseling to help you make confident, informed decisions during your pregnancy.
What Is Genetic Screening?
Genetic screening refers to testing that looks for inherited or spontaneous changes in genes or chromosomes. These screenings generally fall into two categories:
1. Carrier Screening
Determines whether you or your partner carry genes for inherited conditions that could be passed to your baby.
2. Chromosomal Screening
Assesses your baby’s risk for conditions related to chromosome number or structure, such as Down syndrome or trisomy disorders.
These screenings are typically offered early in pregnancy to provide the most useful information for you and your provider.
Carrier Screening
Carrier screening can be performed before or during pregnancy with a simple blood test. You may be a carrier for a genetic condition even without symptoms. If both partners carry the same gene mutation, there’s a higher chance the baby could inherit the condition.
Common conditions screened for include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Fragile X syndrome
Expanded carrier panels can also screen for many additional conditions based on your personal or family medical history.
Chromosomal Screening
Chromosomal screening evaluates whether your baby has an increased risk for certain genetic conditions caused by chromosome changes. Common options include:
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Screens for trisomies (13, 18, 21) and sex chromosome abnormalities using fetal DNA from a blood sample, available as early as 10 weeks.
- First-Trimester Screening: Combines a blood test with a nuchal translucency ultrasound (11–14 weeks) to assess risk for chromosomal abnormalities.
- Second-Trimester Quad Screen: A blood test performed between 15–20 weeks to evaluate risk for Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and other concerns.
These screenings are optional and designed to give you more information, not a diagnosis.
Who Should Consider Genetic Screening?
Genetic screening is available to all pregnant patients and may be especially recommended if you:
- Have a family history of genetic or chromosomal conditions
- Are age 35 or older at the time of delivery
- Belong to an ethnic group with a higher risk for certain inherited conditions
- Had an abnormal screening result in a prior pregnancy
- Are adopted or have limited family medical history
- Want more information to help with prenatal planning
Your provider will guide you through the available options and recommend the best testing approach for your individual needs.
What If My Results Are Abnormal?
If results suggest an increased risk, additional testing and support are available to help you understand your options. Next steps may include:
- Diagnostic testing such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis
- Genetic counseling to review results and discuss implications
- Specialist referrals for high-risk pregnancy management or pediatric planning
Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you have clear information, emotional support, and compassionate care.
Supporting Informed Decisions
Genetic screening provides valuable insight and time to prepare, ask questions, and make informed decisions for your growing family. Whether your results offer reassurance or indicate the need for further testing, our team is here to support you with clarity and care.
Schedule your prenatal appointment at Legacy For Women in Henderson, NV, to learn more about genetic screening options and how they can support your pregnancy journey.