Genetic questions can become part of pregnancy and family planning in many ways. You may be considering carrier screening, already know that a genetic condition or family history is relevant, be weighing up testing during pregnancy, or be trying to make sense of information you did not expect.
Understand what carrier screening is, why it can be relevant even without a family history, what it can and cannot tell you, and what to ask before deciding.
Understand why the exact genetic information matters, who can help and the reproductive options you may wish to consider.
Explore family planning when a genetic condition is involved →
Understand the difference between screening and diagnostic testing, what different tests can tell you and questions you can ask before deciding.
Find practical next steps and specialist support if a screening result, scan finding or diagnosis was not what you expected.
Information and support if genetics may be relevant after pregnancy or baby loss, whether you are looking for answers now, thinking about another pregnancy, or simply wanting to understand what options may be available later.
Information if newborn screening, a health concern or something noticed in your baby’s growth or development raises genetic questions after birth.
This information is general and does not replace advice from your own GP, genetic counsellor, specialist or maternity or fertility team, who can discuss your individual circumstances.
Genetic Alliance Australia’s Genetic Health Navigator can help you work out which information or service may be relevant, prepare questions and connect with genetics services, condition-specific organisations and other support.
The service does not provide medical advice, arrange testing or interpret individual clinical results.
