The Side Effects of Genetic Testing

on June 29, 2011 at 11:33 AM

pregnant woman behind curtain I've often wondered what pregnancy was like for my mother's generation, and the generations before that. It used to be expectant moms didn't even have the choice of finding out whether their baby was going to be a girl or a boy, never mind analyzing the odds that their baby might have one of the zillions of genetic defects we test for today, from Down syndrome to sickle cell anemia to cystic fibrosis. I'm betting those nine months were a lot less stressful for women back then than they are now, when a major side effect of genetic testing can cast a black cloud over the rest of your pregnancy experience.

What's the side effect? Worry. Endless, all-consuming worry.

Don't get me wrong -- if your doctor recommends genetic testing, then get it done. But more and more couples are going off on their own, without their doctor's advice, to have what's called DTC genetic testing (Direct to Consumer), and I don't think it's a good idea.

These aren't even necessarily parents with histories of genetic diseases in their own families; often, their goal is simply to ease some of the nagging fears everyone experiences while waiting for baby. Unfortunately, DTC genetic testing isn't always accurate (no type of genetic testing is), and without a caring OB to help decipher the results, people can end up thinking the worst, drowning in anxiety when they should be decorating the nursery ... only to find that there was never anything wrong in the first place.

Again, if you have a family history of any genetic diseases, then yes, I can see why the screenings would make sense (I'm not even going anywhere near the topic of termination here; there are some abnormalities that doctors like to be prepared to fix immediately after birth, so it helps to know ahead of time). But remember that exhaustive form you got a hand cramp filling out on your first visit to the doctor, the one that wanted to know everything from your grandmother's shoe size to your fifth cousin's eye color? Your OB is already checking that thing over for red flags, so you don't have to play back-up patrol.

No matter what, the best thing for you and your baby is to stay as calm, rested, and positive as possible. You might not know for certain what's down the road, but freaking out about it now certainly isn't going to help.

Would you get DTC genetic testing, or just take your doctor's advice?

Image via Jennifer Monson/Flickr

About the author Jacqueline Burt

has written for numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites. She is easily bored and often tired, so she requires constant entertainment to keep her awake. Dance, Monkey! Dance!

Filed Under: complications, pregnancy health, tests & procedures, tests

Comments (7)

tylersmommy54

on Jun 29, 2011 at 11:39 AM

i know this is true!!!! during my first pregnancy i ended up doing a triple quad screen (genetic) and it ended up coming back positive for possible downs syndrome and i spent the rest of my pregnancy wndering and and trying to figure everything out. it turned out my son had nothing going on with him and they shouldnt even offered me the test as i wasnt over 35 or had a previous child with downs so the results werent accurate. i have decided next time around im not having anything to do with genentic testing cause whatever happens happens you cant change genetics.

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kelsbecca619

on Jun 29, 2011 at 11:46 AM

You are taking the risk of having a child born with ANYTHING when you decide to have a child. Wouldnt make me love mine any more or any less!!! Would just make me worry the whole entire time!

MochaCocoaBean

on Jun 29, 2011 at 1:50 PM

My OB presented genetic testing as an option and something for my husband and I to discuss. In the end, we decided against testing. I have friends who have received both false positve and false negative results. It came down to this: I asked my husband if us knowning about a possible genetic defect was going to change a single thing we were doing. He said no, and I agreed. My OB respected and understood our decision (which told me we were also going to the right person!).

hutchfam2007

on Jun 29, 2011 at 3:51 PM

couldnt have said it better myself!! That was the single only factor dh and I considered when we decided not to do any genetic testing. The way my OB brought it up was more like it was a routine part of prenatal care. Like, at your next appt, we will do your weight, check your blood pressure, test your pee and do a blood test for genetic testing.... woah there!! And I asked if it was necessary. She said no, it could just prepare us if something is going on. I talked to hubs and we both decided that we would love our child no matter what. Not to mention that some genetic issues (for ex. downs) can possibly be detected on ultrasound because of the physical presentations of it.

precious1114

on Jun 29, 2011 at 5:46 PM

often times even at the OBs office there are false positives of genetic defects. I skipped out on doing the test both times.

MyaMaternity

on Jun 30, 2011 at 12:21 PM

Testing like this isn't really necessary. If you are trying to have a baby and you want to get pregnant then you accept that whoever your child is or what illnesses they are born with or get when they are older that you will love them no matter what.

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heather406

on Jul 3, 2011 at 3:26 PM

After having a false positive quad screen this pregnancy and going through weeks of worry and re-testing and travel to see a specialist, I'd never do it again. I was told I had a 1 in 9 chance of having a baby with spina bifida. It was wrong. 90% of all 'positive' blood screening tests are wrong.