Tips for Discussing Reproductive Carrier Screening with Your Partner

What an exciting time it is to be planning for a pregnancy! Here's essential information to help navigate the conversation with your partner about this crucial aspect of family planning.

Genetic Carrier Screening isn't just a test; it's a crucial tool for individuals and couples contemplating starting a family. The at-home reproductive genetic test checks to see if you have a higher chance of having a baby with a serious genetic disease. Our tests can screen for up to 780+ genetic diseases that could affect future children, including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Tay-Sachs Disease & fragile X syndrome.

Why Choose Genetic Carrier Screening

The test provides a comprehensive understanding of combined genetic information, offering detailed insights crucial for making informed decisions about family planning.

Eugene's carrier test options offer the simplicity of a saliva-based test, eliminating the need for needles or hospital visits. It's a hassle-free test performed in the comfort of your home.

Eugene's genetic counselling team offers personalised guidance tailored to individual situations. Their expertise navigates the complexities of genetic information, aiding family planning decisions.

The Importance of Genetic Carrier Screening

Approximately 1 in 30 reproductive couples discover are at increased likelihood of having a child with a genetic condition. Knowing if your at risk can influence how you plan a pregnancy. Knowing this in advance helps you make proactive and informed pregnancy choices to help improve the health outcomes for your children.

Medicare Rebates for Genetic Carrier Testing

Medicare rebates are now available for eligible couples and individuals planning for a future child. This initiative ensures accessible screening for all families planning pregnancy, easing financial concerns and encouraging informed family planning. 

Navigating the Conversation. (Good to know)

1. Genetic Variants: We all carry genetic variants influencing our body's growth and function. These variants, common yet often unnoticed, can have implications.
2. Normalising Carrying Variants: Emphasise that carrying genetic variants is normal. However, shared variants between partners can lead to serious genetic conditions in children, underscoring the importance of carrier testing.
3. Carrier Testing: Essential for anyone considering starting a family, regardless of family history, as it doesn't always indicate genetic conditions.
4. Inclusivity of Genetic Conditions: Some serious conditions prevalent in specific ethnic communities are included in comprehensive screenings like Eugene's but are often excluded in standard tests. There may be a family history of a genetic condition in your or your partner's family, which is important to know when choosing the test right for you. Here is a list of all the conditions tested for.
5. Timing: Consider carrier testing before or early in pregnancy. Some couples plan for carrier status before attempting pregnancy or marriage for informed planning. Most tests take about 4 weeks to complete - so don't delay ordering your test!
6. Approaching the Conversation: Initiate discussions in a relaxed setting, emphasising empathy and mutual support regardless of test results.
7. End-to-end support: Highlight the availability of genetic counselling services, offering support in decision-making, results education and reproductive planning.

To help navigate the conversation, our genetic counsellors are available for a free consultation with you and/or your partner. They're equipped to understand your family history and values and assist you in understanding the option best for you. Book a time to speak to a Counsellor.