The Rising Trend Of DNA Testing For Family Planning. The Revelation Of Genetic Secrets.
Family planning has long been a critical consideration for individuals and couples embarking on the journey of parenthood.
In recent years, the advent of advanced DNA testing techniques has revolutionised family planning by offering valuable insights into the genetic makeup of prospective parents.
This surge in DNA testing for family planning purposes has shed light on a surprising revelation: most babies born with rare genetic conditions have no family history of the condition.
This blog digs into the growing popularity of DNA testing for family planning and explores the reasons behind the increasing occurrence of rare genetic conditions with no familial background.
The Growing Popularity of DNA Testing for Family Planning
DNA testing has become increasingly accessible and affordable, empowering individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive futures.
With the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies, such as CircleDNA, individuals can now obtain comprehensive genetic information with a simple saliva sample.
These tests offer insights into various aspects of one's genetic profile, including carrier status for specific genetic conditions.
Furthermore, advancements in preconception genetic testing enable prospective parents to undergo targeted genetic analyses before conceiving.
By identifying potential genetic risks, these tests provide invaluable information about the likelihood of passing on hereditary conditions to future offspring.
Surprising Statistics: Babies Born with Rare Genetic Conditions and No Family History
Contrary to common belief, a significant number of babies born with rare genetic conditions have no family history of the specific condition.
A study conducted by Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) revealed that approximately 80% of children born with a rare genetic condition were born to parents who had no prior knowledge or family history of that condition (GARD, 2019).
These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive DNA testing, as it uncovers hidden genetic risks that may not be evident through family history alone.
Understanding the Phenomenon
The occurrence of rare genetic conditions with no family history can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, genetic conditions can arise due to spontaneous genetic mutations occurring in the egg, sperm, or during early embryo development. These de novo mutations are not inherited from parents but arise spontaneously and can manifest as rare genetic disorders in the offspring.
Secondly, some genetic conditions may exhibit reduced penetrance or variable expressivity, meaning that individuals carrying the genetic variant may not necessarily show symptoms themselves but can pass it on to their children.
In such cases, a parent may unknowingly carry a genetic variant responsible for a rare condition, only to see it manifest in their child.
Lastly, some genetic conditions may be caused by rare or novel genetic variants that have not been previously identified within the family or population.
As genetic testing technologies improve and become more comprehensive, these previously undetected variants can be identified, enabling a better understanding of the genetic risks associated with family planning.
The surge in DNA testing for family planning purposes has brought about a significant shift in how prospective parents approach reproductive decision-making.
The increasing number of babies born with rare genetic conditions, despite the absence of a family history, emphasises the necessity of comprehensive genetic testing.
By utilizing DNA testing services, prospective parents can uncover hidden genetic risks, facilitating informed decisions and potentially reducing the occurrence of rare genetic conditions in future generations.
References:
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). (2019). Glossary of Terms. Retrieved from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/pages/31/glossary
* Please note that at Parkside Designs Art we are not doctors or scientists. The information in this blog is informative only. We accept no liability in any form for the information provided.
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