Checking a couples genotype before marriage can help them identify the risk of passing on genetic disorders to their children. This information can help couples make informed decisions about family planning and medical care, which ensure a healthy future for you and your potential children. 

 

 

 

One of the primary reasons for genotype testing is to identify the risk of inheriting genetic disorders, particularly sickle cell disease (SCD). If both partners carry the sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child could have SCD.

Informed Decision-Making:

 

Knowing your genotype allows couples to have informed discussions about their health and family planning. It can help in making decisions regarding marriage and childbearing.

Awareness of Carrier Status:

 

Understanding your carrier status for various genetic conditions can help you and your partner take necessary precautions or seek genetic counseling if needed.

Cultural and Familial Considerations:

 

In many cultures, there is a strong emphasis on marrying within certain genetic backgrounds. Genotype testing can help align with these cultural practices and familial expectations.

Peace of Mind:

 

Having this knowledge can provide peace of mind for couples, knowing they have taken steps to minimize health risks for their future children.

Health Education:

 

Engaging in genotype testing can also promote awareness and education about genetic health issues within the community.

In summary, genotype testing before marriage is a proactive approach to safeguarding your familys health and ensuring that you are well-informed about any potential genetic risks

 

There are many reasons why you or other people may require genotype/ genetic testing. It can be done at different stages of life depending on the information required. Some are listed below:

 

Before a child is formed: Embryos formed using the assisted reproductive method like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are tested before implantation into the womb to reduce the risk of having a child with genetic or chromosomal disorder.

 

Before the birth of a child: It can be done during pregnancy when there is increased risk for genetic or chromosomal disorder

 

Newborn: It can be used to determine genetic disorders in newborn that can be treated early in life.

 

Carrier testing: When there is a family history of a genetic disorder or an increased risk in an ethnic group, the carrier status of both parents can be determined. A parent who carries a copy of the genetic mutation will confer a carrier status on the child while both parents will confer a genetic mutation.

 

Diagnostic: Can be done before birth or anytime in life to confirm the diagnosis of a genetic disorder when suspected in a person with signs and symptoms of the disorder. 

 

Forensic: This is to determine crime suspects and relationships between people like paternity.

 

Before Marriage:  It is very important you do a genotype testing before choosing a life partner. This is to prevent hereditary disease risks that could arise and cause life- long devastating consequences to the concerned family.

 

For example, individuals with abnormal sickle hemoglobin (the substance in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen) have genotype S.  When an individual inherits the hemoglobin genotype S from both parents; SS he/she is said to have the sickle cell disease. If it is inherited from only one parent, he/ she is said to have the sickle cell trait. Some individuals have a milder type of sickle cell disease with the hemoglobin genotype C. However, they also have complications.

 

So, for purposes of informed prevention of having a child with sickle cell disease (SCD), it is worthy to be aware that:

 

AA can marry anybody

 

AS and AA: No risk of SCD. Can marry

 

AA and SS: No risk of SCD. Can marry

 

AS and AS: Risk of SCD. Marriage not recommended

 

AS and AC: Risk of SCD. Marriage not recommended

 

SS and SS: Risk of SCD. Marriage not recommended