Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy: What Carrier Screening Can Tell You

If you are planning to start a family, you want to give your child the best possible start. Carrier screening is a simple genetic test that can help you do just that. It looks at your genes to see if you carry changes that could increase the chance of passing a genetic condition to your child.

Carrier screening is not about predicting your child’s future with certainty. It is about giving you information to make confident, informed decisions before pregnancy.

Who Might Benefit from a Preconception Genetics Consult Focused on Carrier Screening?

This consult may be helpful if you are:

• Planning a pregnancy in the near future

• Considering assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF

• Part of a couple who share a family history of genetic conditions

• Curious about proactive steps to protect your child’s health

  
  

What Can You Expect?

During a consult, we will:

• Review your family health history and any known genetic conditions

• Explain which carrier screenings are recommended based on your background

• Discuss what the results could mean for you, your partner, and your future child

• Guide you on next steps and options if a risk is identified

  
  

Why Carrier Screening Matters

Carrier screening can help you:

• Understand your risk of passing on certain genetic conditions

• Make informed decisions about family planning and prenatal testing

• Reduce uncertainty and feel more prepared for the journey ahead

  
  

Genetic counseling is about providing clarity and support. Our goal is to help you understand what is known, what can be tested, and what options are available so you can plan with confidence.

If you are planning a family, a Preconception Genetics Consult at Empower Genetics can help you understand carrier screening and take proactive steps for your future child.

Resources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Carrier Screening. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/carrier-screening

UCSF Health. FAQ: Genetic Carrier Screening. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/faq-genetic-carrier-screening