Inherited conditions

Surgery Door provided a useful guide on pregnancy and parenting, from planning a pregnancy and ways to conceive to advice for men and details of antenatal classes.

Some diseases or conditions, like cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, are inherited from parents or grandparents.

If you, your partner, or any relative has a condition which you know or suspect is inherited, or if you already have a baby with a disability, talk to your doctor about it. You may be able to have tests to check whether your baby is affected.

Ask your GP to refer you to a genetic counsellor for specialist advice, if necessary, preferably before you conceive or in the early weeks of pregnancy.  

Information provided by Health Promotion England.