Cystic Fibrosis Testing Before and During Early Pregnancy

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic lung disease that affects about 30,000 people in the U.S. People with cystic fibrosis have a mutated gene that causes the lungs to produce a very thick mucus. This thick mucus sets the stage for the development of life threatening lung infections. The pancreas also produces a thick mucus which interferes with food absorption.

If you are planning to have children or if you are already pregnant, you should consider cystic fibrosis carrier screening. With a simple blood test, parents (couples) can find out if they are carriers of the mutated gene that causes cystic fibrosis.

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening

If only one parent is a carrier of the gene, there is nearly no risk of your child inheriting cystic fibrosis. It is only when both parents are carriers of the mutated gene that your children are at risk for inheriting cystic fibrosis.

Chances Your Children Will Inherit Cystic Fibrosis

One parent carries mutated gene - <1% chance your child will inherit cystic fibrosis; 50% chance your child will be a carrier of the mutated gene

Both parents carry the mutated gene - 25% chance your child will inherit cystic fibrosis; 50% chance your child will be a carrier of the mutated gene

Testing the Fetus for Cystic Fibrosis

If both parents test positive as carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, the unborn baby can be tested for cystic fibrosis. Although, it should be stated that the chances of both parents being carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene is 1 in 800. Typically, testing is only performed when the parents have a family history of cystic fibrosis.

Source: March of Dimes
Created: 11/24/05