Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Finding the Genotype of an Unborn Baby...

by Douglas Brett
(Port-harcourt, Nigeria)

I am 32 years of age and my fiancée is 27 years old. We planned on getting married some months back but were held back because of our genotype that appears to be both AS/AS.

The local parish has asked us to reconsider our future and come back if we have agreed on moving ahead.

Before we consider breaking up or continuing with the unknown consequences,we could like to know if it is possible to determine the genotype of an unborn child? And at which month would this findings be made?? What is the cost?

Thanks a million.

Doug

Answer:

Hi Doug,

You are in a tough situation. If both of you are AS genotype, there's a 25% chance you could have an SS genotype baby.

You can discover your baby's genotype during pregnancy, but the procedures are not without risk. The CVS test, or chorionic villus sampling can analyze your baby's genotype around the 9th week of pregnancy (typically between 8-12 weeks).

The procedure carries a risk of miscarriage.

Amniocentesis, done later in pregnancy, can also help determine genotype.

I'm not sure how much the procedures would cost in your country, or where you could have them done. Most Obstetricians know how to perform the procedures or they can give you a referral to a larger clinic or hospital that can do them for you.

Remember both procedures carry a small risk of miscarriage - the risk is higher with CVS than with amniocentesis, but CVS can be performed sooner.

Good luck as you explore your options.