Options For Expectant Parents Of Children With Serious Genetic Disorders
No expectant parent ever expects their and their child's future to include a serious genetic order, but this is a reality for millions of pregnant couples. According to Global Genes, there are tens of millions of U.S. citizens who been diagnosed with an uncommon genetic order. Some genetic disorders can threaten the life of both the unborn child and the mother, facilitating medical professional to recommend medical abortions in some very select circumstances. Choosing to continue with a pregnancy or terminate when there is an inherit risk to mother and child is a personal matter that can only be decided when all of the facts are known.
Caring for A Child With a Rare Genetic Disorder
Some genetic disorders, such as hemophilia, can and have been successfully managed in children and adults. Depending on the type of genetic disorder a baby has been diagnosed with, parents will have varying degrees of continued contact with medical professionals. Children with genetic disorders that can be managed for medication may need to visit a specialist only a few times per years while other kids will be hospitalized regularly. In addition to determining how raising a child with a genetic disorder will impact your family, you also need to weigh how the child's childhood will be affected.
Genetic Disorders, Infants, and Adoption
Parents who do not have the emotional or financial means to care for a child with a serious genetic disorder often consider adoption as the ideal answer. There are many loving families who are happy to accept a child into their homes, regardless of what their limitations or health profiles may be. Prior to considering medical abortions it can be helpful to see what adoption agencies are nearby and what general information they have for birth parents.
Choosing to Terminate a Pregnancy Because of Genetic Disorder Concerns
The genetic testing of babies in utero is not something that is routinely done by doctors. Moreover, medical professionals have to wait until an expectant mother is in the second or third trimester of her pregnancy before said genetic tests can be performed. Amniotic fluid is taken by way of a minimally invasive procedure and then is tested by a geneticist only when there is serious reason for concern.
By examining a pregnant couple's family medical history most doctors can determine if it is likely that a baby will be born with genetic disorders. Chromosomal genetic disorders are generally considered to be the most serious kinds of inherited diseases, while single gene disorders can be much more manageable. Medical abortions are not the first option for parents who learn that their child may be born with a serious, rare, and difficult to manage genetic disorder. At the same time, if expectant parents learn that the prognosis for their child is poor, considering medical abortions may be the more humane route to go.
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