DH and I had genetic testing done (b/c we're Jewish), and although he tested positive for one disease, I was just told I came back negative for it, so one more thing I don't have to worry about!
goingtobemrs
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What does genetic testing have to do with being Jewish?
bxgell2
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Jews frequently carry some unique genetic mutations, like, Tay Sachs, Canavans, Fanconi-Anemia (the one my DH tested positive for).
Edited to say, that if your jewish and don't tell your ob/gyn, when they do the genetic testing once you're pregnant, they may fail to test you for some of the more unique genetic mutations that are more common to Ashkenazi jews...
ambersmom
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Do both parents have to be jewish to inherit Tay Sachs?
bxgell2
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Not necessarily - Tay Sachs can be found in the general population, just not at the same frequency as Ashkenzi Jews. The statistic is that 1 out of every 25 Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier of the disease, which is 100 times higher than what's found in the general population.
swags1016
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I made sure I asked for this immediately when I got preggo. Thankfully I was negative.
bxgell2
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Posted by swags1016
I made sure I asked for this immediately when I got preggo. Thankfully I was negative.
I actually came across a brochure offering free genetic testing for jewish couples when I was shopping for my dress, so we signed up... ironically enough, a close friend of mine who got preggo, at the same time, found out that she and her hubbie both tested positive for Canavans (thank GOD the amnio showed the baby is ok). What amazes me is that the insurance companies don't cover the testing until AFTER you're preggo... otherwise it costs close to $3k to get tested for both people. Aren't HMO's supposed to be all about 'preventive' care???
swags1016
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I don't know. I wasn't worried about it too much because DH is 100% Italian but you never know. When my Aunt (Italian) and Uncle went to have a child their dr insisted on it so I did it too. But I agree it SHOULD be covered.
Emily7
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I did this a while ago - before I was pregnant. It actually turned out I AM a carrier for tay sachs and one other one (can't remember). Luckily, DH was not, so we're fine. But - it is still great information to have to pass along to my cousins, sister, etc...and my children since they will have a 50% chance of being carriers.
AliKing
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I had the testing done, I am catholic and DH is Jewish. Since I am not a carrier, DH did not have to be tested. Both parents must be carriers.
ETA - by the way congrats! Doesnt it feel great to get these tests over with?? I just had my level 2 sono and set up an appointment for the glucose test...
