Seeking recommendations for pre-conception genetic testing (in doctor's office)

[Anonymous]

Hello! My husband and I are just at the beginning point of thinking about having kids.

I am adopted and so unclear on some of my genetic background, so we want to get pre-conception genetic testing done to see if we are both carriers of anything that might impact any future children.

We are pretty privacy conscious about our data being sold or publicly released (even when aggregated), and so would prefer not to use any of those mail-in-your-spit companies.

The trouble is, I have called around to various OB GYNs (mine included) and found that this is not a test that is normally given pre-conception. Does anyone know of a doctor/hospital in the area that does pre-conception genetic testing?

I'm pretty sure our insurance will cover it, and we are looking for a general screener, not for any one particular disease.

Also, apologies in advance if this is the wrong forum-- first-time poster to this site.

[Anonymous]

I'd start with a Department of Genetic Counseling at a hospital. Sometimes it's part of a maternal fetal medicine team, and sometimes it's a stand-alone department.

This is a really common thing to do before you starting TTC... not sure why the gynecologists dismissed your concern. My gynecologist actually recommended carrier testing as soon as I mentioned a possible interest in having a kid.

[Anonymous]

My OB affiliated with Georgetown Hospital so referred my to their genetic counseling department. Your OB should be able to point you into the right direction

[Anonymous]

Maybe check with a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor (the ones that handle higher-risk pregnancies). They are used to ordering and handling genetic screenings.

[Anonymous]

One Medical did this test for me as part of pre conception medical care

[Anonymous]

Mine did it at my preconception visit. Dr. Picco at Capitol Women's Care. I just checked my records - it was the Counsyl Foresight Carrier Screen (this was back in 2017, might be different now).

[carmexchapstick]

Thanks all! Much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

My doctor at Capitol womens care also did this for me at preconception visit.

[Anonymous]

I did it at Columbia fertility- I had gone there for egg freezing years prior and went for a preconception counseling appointment as the advice I received there was different than from my ob ( eg told me most fertilie time was right after stopping pill, to get thyroid checked and treated if over 2 tsh before trying, etc)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did it at Columbia fertility- I had gone there for egg freezing years prior and went for a preconception counseling appointment as the advice I received there was different than from my ob ( eg told me most fertilie time was right after stopping pill, to get thyroid checked and treated if over 2 tsh before trying, etc)

Worthwhile to check with specialists over the general advice of your gyn. They can also help you decide what tests to do vs what’s a waste of time. And they check for male-factor routinely, which is crucial.

[Anonymous]

Try orchid’s whole genome sequencing

[Anonymous]

Doing genetic carrier screening is extremely normal and recommended PRE conception of course. If you learn both you and your partner carry the same gene, it could change your entire approach to pregnancy. Very odd to be told it’s not typical - it is.

For me, i got pregnant by surprise and didn’t have screening pre-conception. Got the screening done ONCE pregnant, was a carrier for 1 thing and had to wait anxiously to see if my husband was. Do not recommend.