Baby planning time - Inherited diseases

Most couples feel that if they're disease-free and healthy, all is well and their children are guaranteed to be born healthy. Although most babies are born healthy and disease-free, all expectant couples must know that certain diseases like haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia are inherited. It is not necessary that if you or your partner don't suffer from any inherited disease, your child will not be affected (you may even be a carrier of the disease without knowing it. This means that you may not suffer from the actual disease but could very well pass it on to your baby).

Even if any close relative in your or your partner's family has suffered from an inherited disease, your baby could be at risk.

If such is the case, you must consult a doctor before trying to conceive. Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counsellor who can give you more advice on the issue.

Whatever the outcome of the discussion with the genetic counsellor, the decision to carry on with the pregnancy is in your and your partner's hands. You will be advised about the nature of the risk and if you still decide to go ahead with the pregnancy, you will be offered support and assistance to help you cope with the problems.