Health Center - Genetic Disorders
A hereditary condition is one that is genetically passed on from one or both biological parents, such as bleeding disorders. Are you concerned that a medical condition you have may be passed to your children? Do you wonder if you could develop a disease that your parents or siblings have? Learn more about common hereditary conditions, including symptoms, treatment options and expert advice.
What to Expect From Prenatal Genetic Testing
At an early prenatal visit, you may be asked if you would like genetic testing. Or, if you are aware of a genetic condition in your family or your partner's, you or your partner may opt to get tested before conceiving.
There are two types of prenatal tests: screening tests and diagnostic tests. Prenatal screening is meant to identify women at an increased risk for the pregnancy to be affected by a disease. Diagnostic prenatal testing is used to confirm whether or not a pregnancy is affected by a given condition.
Almost all pregnant women in the United States receive a maternal serum screening test. This is performed with a blood sample and is usually done between weeks 15 and 18 of the pregnancy (as measured from the start of the most recent menstrual period). The test estimates your risk of having a baby with:
