We recently found out that many members of my family have Hemophilia. I was wondering, since I am the only one who could pass it on, if I should risk having children? My brother and Grandpa never have had problems with it except while in surgery, but I was afraid I could have a son with a much more severe case. Should I worry?
2006-11-03 14:27:00 · 5 answers · asked by shea_8705 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Yes, you should have your kids tested and consult a genetic counselor.
2006-11-04 03:58:58 · answer #1 · answered by hello 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't worry, but this is definitely something that you should be concerned about and speak with any potential spouses or partners about. From your icon, I gather that you are female and in females hemophilia is non-existant. Instead, females are genetic carriers and the name is Von Willebrands Syndrome. If you have male children, they will likely be hemophiliac's and this is a very severe condition and the severity of health issues for your child will start the second he (if it is a male) is born. A friend of mine is a female carrier and she had a child a number of years ago who was hemophiliac.
Since your interest is obviously piqued by learning what you have, and you seem to prefer taking a proactive stance, I really think that you would benefit from a consultation with a geneticist who can help break the information down further for you and offer you more specific advise based on your own health profile (lab results, etc). I wish you the best of luck and remember, just because something is difficult doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it-- never let anyone tell you that you should or shouldn't have children; that choice is yours alone. However, be prepared that the road with children may be a difficult one. Children, no matter what shape, health status, size or level of difficulty they are as teenagers, are still a blessing :)
2006-11-03 22:43:13 · answer #2 · answered by Gotham*City*Kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the time comes that you begin to think about becoming a mother, you should go see a genetic counselor. He or she can talk with you and your significant other about the risks related to the hemophilia.
2006-11-03 22:35:06 · answer #3 · answered by robbet03 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be tested to find out if you are a carrier. You may want to gather your family records and consult a genetic counselor.
2006-11-03 22:30:44 · answer #4 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
U can talk to a genetic counselor and they could explain to u the probability of passing it on.
2006-11-03 22:29:49 · answer #5 · answered by dragonkisses 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋