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What is Genetic Carrier Screening?

19 November 2020

Blog
Maternity
To help your obstetrician monitor your health and the health of your baby, you will be offered a number of screening tests and scans prior to conception and throughout your pregnancy.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Adam Gubbay explains Genetic Carrier Screening and the reason why some women choose to undergo the test.

Why would I get a Genetic Carrier Screening test?

Many of us carry abnormal genes without knowing it - these are called abnormal recessive genes.

If you and your partner carry the exact same abnormal recessive genes, you have a one in four chance of having a baby with a recessive condition.

The Genetic Carrier Screening test can detect abnormal genes prior to conception or during early pregnancy.

What are the most common recessive conditions?

The three most common recessive conditions are:

  • Cystic fibrosis, which is a serious lung condition
  • Spinal muscular atrophy, which is a serious neurological condition
  • Fragile X syndrome, which is the second most common cause of intellectual handicap

What does the Genetic Carrier Screening test involve?

Blood testing can be performed to check for these conditions.

While many people prefer to have this screening test prior to falling pregnant, it can be also be performed during early pregnancy.

For more information about genetic testing, please talk to your obstetrician.

To learn more about our maternity services, please visit sjog.org.au/subiacomaternity.

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Dr Adam Gubbay - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Dr Adam Gubbay graduated from the University of Western Australia Medical School and specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology thorough King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a member of the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society and Australian Medical Association.