Carrier of Genetic Disorders?

Question

I took the genetic disorder blood test, and my doc's office contacted me saying I was a carrier for two of the genetic disorders.

Is this normal, to be carrier of certain diseases, does this mean my child will have it or not?

I am waiting for them to call me back to explain to me more.

Thanks!

Answer

Most of the times with genetic disorders it takes two carriers to pass it to a child. My husband (and 1 of his 2 siblings) is a carrier for cystic fibrosis with that known we had to take special precautions and have myself checked as well. I am not a carrier so our baby will be fine, although she could possibly be a carrier herself (I have a niece who is due to her mother being one) so we'd just have to tell her when she's older to be careful and make sure to have her partner tested if they choose to have children.

Answer

It depends on the disease. Often both parents have to be carriers, if it's just one then the baby is likely to be just a carrier like you.

If it's a boy and the disease is x-linked (its on the x chromosome but not the y) and you have it then your son may have the disease (since he gets an x from you and a y from the dad).  Those diseases aren't super common though.

They may test the father to see if he is also a carrier, they just don't do that up front since you would also need to be, and there are more x-linked issues than y ones for whatever reason.

Hopefully that makes sense.

Answer

Your in my prayers

Carrier of Genetic Disorders?

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