There are a lot of genetic tests out there for those planning a family and those expecting their little one. It can be rather confusing which tests you should get and why. Many families are also concerned about how invasive the tests are and how accurate the tests are, and what they should be doing with their results.
To dive into this conversation of prenatal and preconception genetic testing on Yoga| Birth| Babies I have Kira Dineen MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM a certified genetic counselor who has been specializing working with pregnant folks and helping people planning pregnancy to obtain family history and to explore genetic testing options. She’s also the host and producer of the podcast DNA Today.
Kira helps demystify a lot of the genetic tests out there and how to decide which tests might be best for you and your family. She is incredibly fun. I had such a great time. Even though this can feel like a very heavy topic, the way that Kira explains it and her enthusiasm, will help set you at ease and provide you some clarity around genetic testing during pregnancy and preconception. I know you’re going to enjoy this episode.
In this episode you will learn:
- Learn about Kira and what led her to focus on genetic counseling.
- What genetic testing is and what these tests looking for.
- How accurate genetic tests are.
- The time in pregnancy most people get these tests.
- The basic genetic tests most pregnant folks get.
- How genetic testing changes as someone gets older.
- Who may want to consider getting an amniocentesis.
- Reasons someone may opt out of getting genetic testing.
- Potential risks in getting genetic testing.
- The least invasive tests.
- The NIPT test.
- How genetic tests have changed in the last 5 to 10 years.
- The role of the genetic counselor and how they help expectant parents navigate tests as well as understand the results.
- One tip/piece of advice Kira would like to offer new or expectant parents.
- Where you can find Kira’s work.
About Kira:
Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM (she/her), has a decade of podcast experience fueled by a passion for science communication. She has hosted and produced 7 podcasts. Her main show, “DNA Today“, is in the top 1% of podcasts globally. Listeners Discover New Advances in the world of genetics through Kira’s interviews about genetic technology, disorders, and news. The show won the Best 2020, 2021, and 2022 Science and Medicine Podcast Awards. “DNA Today” has produced over 200 episodes supported by 50 sponsors. As a licensed certified genetic counselor, Kira Dineen meets with patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancies to obtain family health history and explore genetic testing options. Kira is also certified as a Cytogenetic Technologist and has worked in laboratories performing karyotypes and FISH on constitutional and cancer samples.
Connect with Kira:
Instagram: @dnatodaypodcast
Website: DNAtoday.com
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