Complications of Pregnancy - Genetic disorders

There are 4,300 genetic defects that can be passed on to offspring. Of those 4,300 there are about 600 that are common enough to be tested for in couples where the risk is considered high. It is estimated that three percent of all births are to parents carrying a genetic defect. These can range from mild disorders such as night blindness to serious and life threatening disorders such as Tay-Sachs and sickle cell anemia. If one grandparent or immediate family member carries a known genetic disorder, the attending physician may recommend genetic testing and counseling. Even if abortion is not considered by the parents, genetic testing will allow the parents to prepare for any eventuality.