Electronic Health Reporter

A genetic disorder is a medical condition that is brought on by changes in one’s genes or chromosomes. There are between 20,000 and 25,000 genes in every human body, and these genes determine which traits will be passed down to succeeding generations. If a genetic mutation occurs in one of those genes, it can alter a person’s appearance, personality, and intellectual or physical development.

Oftentimes, inherited diseases result from a change in DNA that is handed down from one generation to the next. It is possible for parents to unknowingly carry a chromosomal or gene mutation without experiencing any symptoms.

Some common ailments – like sickle cell anemia, Down Syndrome, and cystic fibrosis – may occasionally be traced back to a mutation in a single gene. If you’re worried about your unborn child’s risks because of your family history, it’s important to educate yourself as much as possible so that you can make informed decisions.

Increased Risk Factors for Genetic Anomalies

Causes of congenital abnormalities (CAs) range from environmental factors to genetics. Depending on when an individual is exposed to a potentially harmful environment in a pregnancy, the fetus may be at risk for miscarriage or birth abnormalities.

The most damage can be done by diseases and medications when exposed between two and ten weeks after conception. However, genealogical ties are only one example of how members of the same family tend to share characteristics with their surroundings and way of life. Consider them all together, and you may be able to see signs of a familial ailment. 

If you have a well-maintained record of familial disease history, doctors can assess an individual’s, their family’s, and future generations’ susceptibility to disease by looking for family history clues. Variables such as lack of prenatal care, overwork during pregnancy, poor dietary habits, and alcohol usage might increase the likelihood that your child will be born with a genetic disorder.

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