Inherited Genetic Diseases

Inherited Genetic Diseases
It is important to have an insight into, and some knowledge about inherited genetic diseases, especially if one is planning to have a baby. Having sufficient knowledge can be of help in preventing the baby from acquiring such a disease.

Most birth related defects are usually inherited genetic diseases. This is normally a condition which leads to abnormalities in the structure and function of the baby right from birth. Often, these types of defects are genetic in nature, and are passed to the baby from the parents. However, some isolated cases may not be hereditary, and could be due to environmental hazards or external effects, exposed to the mother at pregnancy.

There are thousands of known inherited genetic diseases. Genetic diseases are varied in intensity and types. These may include physical conditions or defects, or delays in normal development of the child. Some inherited genetic diseases may be deadly. Sadly, all inherited genetic diseases cause a lot of physical and emotional pain both to the patient and to the parents.

Inherited genetic diseases can be passed down through various ways. They can be transmitted from the father, the mother or even both parents. In case where both parents have defaults in their genes, the defects are often inherited by the baby. On the other hand, where only one parent has a genetic defect, it is also possible for the defect to be passed on to the child. The other case is where the mother specifically passes on a genetic condition to the male offspring. This is a defect that affects only the X-chromosome. The baby is likely to have an inherited genetic disease if the X-chromosome of the mother is faulty.

Among the several common inherited genetic diseases include muscular diseases, usually inherited from the mother, and central nervous system defects - which may cause blindness, dementia and seizures. This is a dangerous and possibly fatal inherited genetic condition, especially if both parents have it. The other common condition is sickle cell anaemia, which is a disorder of the red blood cells. It can cause pain, fatigue and other health complications. The likelihood of the child inheriting this condition is higher if both parents carry the gene.

A basic precaution for parents to safeguard their unborn babies from acquiring inherited genetic diseases would be to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet, especially for the mother throughout her pregnancy.