When you’re thinking about starting a family, there’s a lot to plan—baby names, nursery colors, sleep schedules (or lack thereof). But one of the most important steps often happens before pregnancy even begins: carrier screening. This simple genetic test can provide powerful insight into you and your partner’s potential to pass on inherited conditions to your child.
At MKGenetix, we believe knowledge is empowering. Carrier screening offers prospective parents the chance to understand their genetic background and make informed choices that reflect their values, goals, and family story. Ideally, the screening is completed BEFORE pregnancy.
What Is Carrier Screening?
Carrier screening is a genetic test that checks whether you carry changes (also called variants) in genes linked to certain inherited conditions. People who are “carriers” typically do not show symptoms of the condition but can pass the genetic change on to their children.
Carrier screening is often offered before or during pregnancy. It’s especially helpful when both partners are tested, because most conditions screened for take one genetic change inherited from EACH parent for symptoms to arise. Therefore, if both parents are carriers for the same condition, there’s a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child may inherit the condition.
There are hundreds of conditions that can be screened for, including:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Sickle cell disease
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Thalassemias
- And many more
You don’t have to have a family history of these conditions to be a carrier. In fact, most carriers have no idea they’re carrying a gene change until they’re tested. Some of these conditions are more common in certain ethnic groups.
Who Should Consider Carrier Screening?
The short answer? Everyone planning a pregnancy. While some conditions are more common in specific ethnic groups—like Tay-Sachs in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent or sickle cell disease in those of African ancestry—expanded carrier screening now includes a broad range of conditions across populations.
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics) recommend that carrier screening be offered to all pregnant individuals and those planning a pregnancy, regardless of background.
How Genetic Counseling Can Help
Receiving carrier screening results can lead to questions and important decisions—especially if both partners are carriers for the same condition.
That’s where genetic counseling makes all the difference.
At MKGenetix, we help individuals and couples:
- Understand what their carrier results mean
- Explore reproductive options (including IVF with genetic testing, donor sperm/egg, adoption, or natural conception with informed preparation)
- Communicate with extended family members who may also be at risk
- Navigate emotions, choices, and next steps with compassion and clarity
Whether your results bring peace of mind or new considerations, we are here to support your journey with evidence-based, personalized care.
Reproductive Choices and Next Steps
If both partners are carriers for the same condition, you have options. These may include:
- Simply preparing for the possibility of raising a child with a genetic condition
- Prenatal diagnostic testing during pregnancy (e.g., CVS or amniocentesis)
- Using a donor gamete
- Adoption
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) with In vitro fertilization (IVF)
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is that you’re equipped with information and support to make the choice that’s right for your family.
Why Carrier Screening Matters
Carrier screening isn’t about predicting the future with certainty—it’s about empowering you with knowledge. Is part of the growing movement toward precision medicine, this kind of proactive care helps parents-to-be make confident, values-based decisions rooted in science and compassion.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re just beginning to think about children or are already on the path to parenthood, carrier screening can be a valuable tool in your planning. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At MKGenetix, we offer personalized genetic counseling to help you:
- Understand your carrier screening options
- Interpret results with confidence
- Explore the full range of reproductive choices available to you
Let’s walk this journey together—with knowledge, compassion, and care.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about genetic counseling services for couples and families.
Warm regards,
Megan Trinkle-Knotts, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Founder, MKGenetix
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