5 things many people don’t realise about genetic screening before pregnancy
Dr Eric Lee
When people start planning a pregnancy, genetic screening is often an afterthought. Many assume the option their doctor mentions is the only one, and that other choices would be raised if they were important.
In practice, that isn’t always the case. Several aspects of pre-pregnancy genetic screening may surprise some people.
1 - Genetic carrier screening is best done before pregnancy
Before pregnancy, there is usually more time and a wider range of options if screening finds something relevant.
Once pregnant, some options are no longer available, and decisions may need to be made under greater time pressure.
2 - Family history doesn’t tell the full story
Many inherited conditions occur in families with no known history. That’s because people can carry genetic changes without ever being affected themselves.
Because of this, carrier screening isn’t just for people with a known family history.
3 - Standard screening is usually limited
Most carrier screens consist of a focused set of three conditions. For many people, that level of screening is enough for them.
What surprises some couples is that broader carrier screening options exist, which screen for additional, rarer conditions that may still be serious or life-changing.
There is no single “right” level of screening. What matters is knowing that options exist, so you can choose what feels right for you.
4 - Screening is about preparation
No genetic test can guarantee outcomes or remove uncertainty.
What screening offers is preparation - time, options, and the ability to make informed choices that are right for you and your family.
5 - You’re allowed to ask
Many people assume that if broader genetic screening were important for them, it would be raised by their doctor.
In practice, these conversations don’t always happen unless patients ask. Asking is a reasonable part of planning a pregnancy and understanding your options.
----
Preciselee offers the Familee Screen, a pre-pregnancy genetic screen for people who believe that having more information is empowering and supports better decisions.
Take this free quiz to find out if this screen may be right for you: