In your view, what are the advantages and disadvantages of genetic counseling for couples who want to have a child but who are concerned about a genetic or chromosomal disorder that runs in one or both of their families?
In my opinion the advantages to genetic counseling before conception would be that the parents would be able to make an informed decision. The family maybe better prepared. Genetic counseling would help them make a decide if they are prepared for the journey of taking care of a special needs child. Another advantage would be getting together the necessary resources to handle the needs of the future child. There are a number of support groups to help with special needs children. In my opinion the disadvantages of genetic counseling would be that it might increase the mother’s stress level. When she does get pregnant, it may give her an overwhelming feeling she may not want to continue with the pregnancy. There are limitations of genetic testing, therefore leading to unnecessary worry and preparation. Mary Carter
Genetic counseling is a smart choice for couples who want to have a child but are concerned about genetic or chromosomal disorders that run through both their families simply because they would be informed about all the risks of what could happen and would know more about what could happen. This would give them the decision if they want to even try and have a baby with the risks that are most likely a factor. If the couple does choose to have the child they will know how to take care of the child and even before anything happens they will be prepared.
I agree with the previous blogs that genetic counseling is a good source of information and support for couples facing possible inherited disorders. When faced with such an overwhelming amount of information to be found online, it is helpful to talk to a professional who can help to make sense of the statistics, options and procedures associated with genetic issues. It also would be a good link to psychological support for the difficult decisions ahead if they do conceive a with the disorder and also gives parents a clear picture of the challenges they will face raising a child with a disability. I think that it is always helpful to have a knowledgeable person to consult or just someone to listen to your concerns, whatever the decision may be.
Be sure to answer all parts to each question to get all points. Think about some of the disadvantages of genetic counseling- how could some of this information have negative effects?
I agree with previous posts in which it will definitely provide more information to the potential parents. Searching in books and on the web can be very overwhelming and sometimes misleading to the couple. Therefore, looking to somebody who has more information and correct information is certainly a great idea. They can also tell the parents what the actual chances are of them passing certain traits and disorders onto their children. A major role of the couselor is to provide emotional support for the parents. Possible downsides to genetic couseling may be that the parents get scared and decide not to have children or if they are pregnant, could ultimatly lead to choosing to abort the baby because the parents may not be confident in raising a special needs child.
In thinking about the advantages and disadvantages in genetic counseling for couples who want to have a child, but who are concerned about a genetic disorder that runs in one or both of their familes, there are several already mentioned. I think I can add an experience of one of my freinds.
Two of my high school friends married each other and soon, after, had a child. This child had severe allergies to foods - unlike anything we consider to be severe. This boy could only drink water, and eat one or two things, period. His disorder was so rare, that in the testings, they found that the parents had to be closely related (closer than anyone is comfortable with:)) - and they both were carrying the very rare gene for the disorder. The parents were confused and embarrassed, and they felt like they ruined their child's life - obviously, it was not their fault.
There is no way that they could have known about this disorder. Had they the knowledge of their relationship to one another or of the possibilty of the genetic disorder being carried to their child, they would not have chosen to have children in the first place. Counseling was much needed for many reasons in this case, but was after-the-fact, obviously.
I believe that genetic counseling is very beneficial to the parents if there is the possibility of a genetic disorder. The parents can make an informed decision on whether or not to bring a child into this world, with the knowledge of what to expect. They can understand the financial responsibilities, care-giving options, quality of life expectancy, etc. Tracy Dowell
The disadvantage that I believe it offers, is that people might make a decision based on the "chances are" or "what if," and choose not to have children. It could have been a healthy child. There would always be the question in my mind, what if everything would have been normal? The parents might feel a void in their life, not having a child of their own. I agree with the stress- factor, too. Counseling could ease your mind, or cause a lot of stress on the mother and father during the pregnancy.
Ok, I can't find a way to go back and edit my typos - so sorry, everyone. And I got kicked off once in the middle, so I'm trying to type quickly. :( Tracy Dowell
Advantages of genetic counseling for couples, In my opinion are only necessary for couples that have a history of family disabilities or mothers that have at risk pregnancies. Often times mothers who have at risk pregnancies such as non-movement during the babies fetal stage or other pregnancy definciances are questioned about genetic disabilities and are often tested. For the most part these test are very beneficial for doctors so that they can get a heads up on what to observe during pregnancy. Disadvantages expenses. I assume that the expenses to have this type of genetic counseling should be the least of primary concerns during pregnancy. For low income mothers that depend on welfare and medicare, I'd say that this type of counseling is not included in the medical package. Another disadvantage I'd agree with Mary about is stress. I'd think that this would bring about a major stress not only for the mother, but for the father as well. Due to the fact that there are more problems during pregnancy~that are far more important at the moment. One of these would be the sex of the baby!
I feel genetic counseling is important for any family interesting in having children. The clear advantage would be that the parents would have an understanding of the probabilities of the child having a disorder. This would allow the parents to mentally prepare for all scenarios. Also, the parents could take into account any additional medicines, supplements, etc. to help lessen the probabilities of these disorders.
On the flip side, I agree with Mary Carter in that it would significantly increase the parents stress level. Stress factors are a lot more detrimental on a person's health than some believe. Also, the counseling may completely discourage from taking any risks in trying to conceive a child. My wife has a low level of epilepsy, our doctor recommended that we adopt. I have two healthy beautiful boys, and really have a genuine dislike for those doctors creating any doubt in our decision.
Genetic counseling can be a benefit but also a disadvantage. The advantage is that it would better prepare the family to understand what any issues with the child before he or she is born. They could research and have whatever early intervention or doctors ready to help that child and counseling for the family to provide a stable environment. However the disadvantage would be the worry before and in the eyes of God he made this child and has put any child with special needs in that family for a reason. This could also lead to families to make the decision to abort and in the end is the child really going to have issues, you really do not know that until the child is here.
In response to LL's post about also including some disadvantages to genetic counseling, I agree with some of the previous statements. It may cause premature decisions to abort and could make couples more apprehensive about the process of having children because they are more aware of the risks associated with it.
Genetic counceling overall would be a positive thing for future parents to undergo. I believe that it gives you realistic expectations and will help to guide you for the real life experiences that they are going to be facing. Also might share some of the positives that go along with the stuggles. If you have a family HX of genetic disorders then I believe that it would be very benificial.. On the other hand I hate to say that I agree with the above, but I do. I believe that this could create a high anxiety for those who find out and might have a dificult time coping with the matter. Although it would be hard to deal with I would think that it would be more beneficial to be more prepared.
I think that genetic counseling for couples who are worried about genetic or chromosomal disorder is a great idea. The only problem I could see is trying to make everyone of our future children "prefect" and putting a whole new meaning of survival of the fitest. Although i think genetic counseling is a great idea, couples can make more informed decisions and be more prepared and I don't think that we as a society should be doing it. Somethings are meant to be left alone and to me this is one of them.
In my opinion the advantages to genetic counseling before conception would be that the parents would be able to make an informed decision. The family maybe better prepared. Genetic counseling would help them make a decide if they are prepared for the journey of taking care of a special needs child. Another advantage would be getting together the necessary resources to handle the needs of the future child. There are a number of support groups to help with special needs children.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the disadvantages of genetic counseling would be that it might increase the mother’s stress level. When she does get pregnant, it may give her an overwhelming feeling she may not want to continue with the pregnancy. There are limitations of genetic testing, therefore leading to unnecessary worry and preparation.
Mary Carter
Genetic counseling is a smart choice for couples who want to have a child but are concerned about genetic or chromosomal disorders that run through both their families simply because they would be informed about all the risks of what could happen and would know more about what could happen. This would give them the decision if they want to even try and have a baby with the risks that are most likely a factor. If the couple does choose to have the child they will know how to take care of the child and even before anything happens they will be prepared.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Derstine
I agree with the previous blogs that genetic counseling is a good source of information and support for couples facing possible inherited disorders. When faced with such an overwhelming amount of information to be found online, it is helpful to talk to a professional who can help to make sense of the statistics, options and procedures associated with genetic issues. It also would be a good link to psychological support for the difficult decisions ahead if they do conceive a with the disorder and also gives parents a clear picture of the challenges they will face raising a child with a disability. I think that it is always helpful to have a knowledgeable person to consult or just someone to listen to your concerns, whatever the decision may be.
ReplyDeleteWhitney Pasquesi
Be sure to answer all parts to each question to get all points. Think about some of the disadvantages of genetic counseling- how could some of this information have negative effects?
ReplyDeleteI agree with previous posts in which it will definitely provide more information to the potential parents. Searching in books and on the web can be very overwhelming and sometimes misleading to the couple. Therefore, looking to somebody who has more information and correct information is certainly a great idea. They can also tell the parents what the actual chances are of them passing certain traits and disorders onto their children. A major role of the couselor is to provide emotional support for the parents. Possible downsides to genetic couseling may be that the parents get scared and decide not to have children or if they are pregnant, could ultimatly lead to choosing to abort the baby because the parents may not be confident in raising a special needs child.
ReplyDeleteHeather Oltmann
In thinking about the advantages and disadvantages in genetic counseling for couples who want to have a child, but who are concerned about a genetic disorder that runs in one or both of their familes, there are several already mentioned. I think I can add an experience of one of my freinds.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my high school friends married each other and soon, after, had a child. This child had severe allergies to foods - unlike anything we consider to be severe. This boy could only drink water, and eat one or two things, period. His disorder was so rare, that in the testings, they found that the parents had to be closely related (closer than anyone is comfortable with:)) - and they both were carrying the very rare gene for the disorder. The parents were confused and embarrassed, and they felt like they ruined their child's life - obviously, it was not their fault.
There is no way that they could have known about this disorder. Had they the knowledge of their relationship to one another or of the possibilty of the genetic disorder being carried to their child, they would not have chosen to have children in the first place. Counseling was much needed for many reasons in this case, but was after-the-fact, obviously.
I believe that genetic counseling is very beneficial to the parents if there is the possibility of a genetic disorder. The parents can make an informed decision on whether or not to bring a child into this world, with the knowledge of what to expect. They can understand the financial responsibilities, care-giving options, quality of life expectancy, etc.
Tracy Dowell
The disadvantage that I believe it offers, is that people might make a decision based on the "chances are" or "what if," and choose not to have children. It could have been a healthy child. There would always be the question in my mind, what if everything would have been normal? The parents might feel a void in their life, not having a child of their own. I agree with the stress- factor, too. Counseling could ease your mind, or cause a lot of stress on the mother and father during the pregnancy.
Ok, I can't find a way to go back and edit my typos - so sorry, everyone. And I got kicked off once in the middle, so I'm trying to type quickly. :( Tracy Dowell
ReplyDeleteAdvantages of genetic counseling for couples, In my opinion are only necessary for couples that have a history of family disabilities or mothers that have at risk pregnancies. Often times mothers who have at risk pregnancies such as non-movement during the babies fetal stage or other pregnancy definciances are questioned about genetic disabilities and are often tested. For the most part these test are very beneficial for doctors so that they can get a heads up on what to observe during pregnancy. Disadvantages expenses. I assume that the expenses to have this type of genetic counseling should be the least of primary concerns during pregnancy. For low income mothers that depend on welfare and medicare, I'd say that this type of counseling is not included in the medical package. Another disadvantage I'd agree with Mary about is stress. I'd think that this would bring about a major stress not only for the mother, but for the father as well. Due to the fact that there are more problems during pregnancy~that are far more important at the moment. One of these would be the sex of the baby!
ReplyDeleteI feel genetic counseling is important for any family interesting in having children. The clear advantage would be that the parents would have an understanding of the probabilities of the child having a disorder. This would allow the parents to mentally prepare for all scenarios. Also, the parents could take into account any additional medicines, supplements, etc. to help lessen the probabilities of these disorders.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, I agree with Mary Carter in that it would significantly increase the parents stress level. Stress factors are a lot more detrimental on a person's health than some believe. Also, the counseling may completely discourage from taking any risks in trying to conceive a child. My wife has a low level of epilepsy, our doctor recommended that we adopt. I have two healthy beautiful boys, and really have a genuine dislike for those doctors creating any doubt in our decision.
Adam Mrozowski
Genetic counseling can be a benefit but also a disadvantage.
ReplyDeleteThe advantage is that it would better prepare the family to understand what any issues with the child before he or she is born. They could research and have whatever early intervention or doctors ready to help that child and counseling for the family to provide a stable environment.
However the disadvantage would be the worry before and in the eyes of God he made this child and has put any child with special needs in that family for a reason. This could also lead to families to make the decision to abort and in the end is the child really going to have issues, you really do not know that until the child is here.
In response to LL's post about also including some disadvantages to genetic counseling, I agree with some of the previous statements. It may cause premature decisions to abort and could make couples more apprehensive about the process of having children because they are more aware of the risks associated with it.
ReplyDeleteWhitney Pasquesi
Genetic counceling overall would be a positive thing for future parents to undergo. I believe that it gives you realistic expectations and will help to guide you for the real life experiences that they are going to be facing. Also might share some of the positives that go along with the stuggles. If you have a family HX of genetic disorders then I believe that it would be very benificial..
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I hate to say that I agree with the above, but I do. I believe that this could create a high anxiety for those who find out and might have a dificult time coping with the matter.
Although it would be hard to deal with I would think that it would be more beneficial to be more prepared.
I think that genetic counseling for couples who are worried about genetic or chromosomal disorder is a great idea. The only problem I could see is trying to make everyone of our future children "prefect" and putting a whole new meaning of survival of the fitest. Although i think genetic counseling is a great idea, couples can make more informed decisions and be more prepared and I don't think that we as a society should be doing it. Somethings are meant to be left alone and to me this is one of them.
ReplyDelete