What You Might Want to Know Before
Embarking on Your Parenting Journey	 
Our heartiest wishes to you, mom to be! During thisspecial phase of your life, you must be so excited andlook forward to meeting the youngest member of yourfamily. But at the same time, many of you might haveconcerns about what is happening with you and yourbaby.
Today, medical advances offer new options for
obtaining information about baby's health even before
the birth. While more information sounds helpful, thetruth is that it often leads to an information overload
and causes confusion among patients. There are many
optional tests that aren’t included in regular checkups,
which makes it even harder for parents to decide on
their own.
Our professional mission is to assist you in order tomake the best-informed choice. This leaflet includes
an overview of your prenatal options, as well as a few
resource suggestions to better meet your needs. Feelfree to contact any of them if needed.
Following is a handy list of questions and answers thatwill help you in your learning of the basic concept ofyour prenatal options.	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 Search for accessible institutions. All the centerslisted are the members of The Japan National
Liaison Council for Clinical Sections of MedicalGenetics.
http://www.Idenshiiryoubumon.org/search/	 Available only in Japanese	 Access	 by	 QR	 code	 

All About Your Options forPregnancy & Prenatal Care	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	  	  	 	 	 ■Clinical Affiliates in your area	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 All rights reserved. For non-commercial use only.
No part of this publication may be reproduced,stored, transmitted or disseminated in any form orby any means without prior written permission.	 	 	 The Project of Health Research on Children, Youth,and Families by Ministry of Health, Labor andWelfare, Japan (2014-2016)	 	 	 	 Q1. What are prenatal genetic tests?
A. They are medical tests used to obtain genetic
information about unborn babies. Certain tests done on
prenatal check-ups are routine and almost all pregnant
women are to get them, while prenatal testing we discuss
here is completely optional. In this leaflet, we focus on theevaluation of the fetus to find out specific chromosomal
abnormalities. You can have a safe delivery without
these tests and it's up to you to choose whether or not tohave them.
It is becoming increasingly complicated to make adecision, with there being more options for you toconsider. Genetic counseling offers support in order for
you to be comfortable with your pregnancy whether or
not you decide to undergo the testing.
Q2. What are the common types of prenatal tests?
A. There are two types of prenatal tests: screening anddiagnostic. The former includes NIPT, maternal serum
tests, or special ultrasounds such as NT scans, none ofwhich are definitive. When the screening test resultshows a possible problem, you might consider diagnostic
tests, including amino or CVS, which can carry a small
chance of miscarriage.
In genetic counseling, specialists will outline all theoptions available for you and help you decide how toproceed.
Q3. What is genetic counseling? Should every
expectant mom get it?
A. Genetic counseling is the process of helping people
understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, andfamilial implications of genetic contributions to disease,and it involves specialists who identify families at risk,
investigate the problem, interpret medical information,and review available options with the family. Anyone
with unanswered questions about her baby should seek
genetic counseling. It provides helpful information,education, support, and very often, a peace of mind.
Q4. Is a birth defect common? How much can a test
find out?
A. One in every 20～33 babies are born with a birthdefect and about 25% of them are affected bychromosomal abnormality. It’s impossible to detect
everything about a fetus, but proper prenatal care does
help ensure things go right, as it enables your doctor
monitor your/your baby’s health and identify any
problems before they become serious.
Q5. What is a “high risk” pregnancy?
A. A high-risk pregnancy is any pregnancy that can
result in health problems for the mother/baby. The termsounds scary, but it simply means that extra special
attention must be paid. In the framework of prenatal
testing, however, ’’high risk’’ means “higher chance” ofthe baby having a genetic condition. Both cases require
special management, and again, regular prenatal visits
are very important.
Q6 Is getting tested a common option?
A. Currently, about 10% of expectant mothers over 35years old get prenatal testing in Japan. The decision topursue the tests is yours. People choose to have or not tohave them for different reasons. The decision must be
made after a thorough discussion between you and yourpartner, along with genetic professionals.
Q7. What are my choices if the test result shows aproblem?
A. There are always some options for you, and it is a
hard choice to make, especially in such an anxious time.
However, you don’t have to go through it all alone. Your
practitioner, as well as genetic specialists, will help youdecide what to do and what life will be like for your child
if he/she has a disorder.
Q8. Does a health problem in the family affect thebaby?
A. Only very few types of diseases can be passed on,
while it is possible to inherit some types of genetic
disorders. Estimating the chance of inheriting thecondition can be complex. You’ll be provided a detailed
explanation based on your profile during your genetic
counseling.
Q9.Does a disorder found on a test mean anotherrisk factor among family members?

A. A vast majority of the family are not affected at all,but there are a few exceptions. When a genetic disorderis diagnosed, family members often want to know thelikelihood that they or their children will develop thecondition. The answers vary and additional genetic
counseling may prove useful.
Q10. When should I see a genetic professional?
A. Genetic counseling is helpful any time during —oreven before— your pregnancy. You can get the support
you need when you intend to start a family, you’reexpecting, or after the baby is born.
Q11. What can I discuss with my geneticist/genetic
counselor?
A. You can talk about absolutely anything you need to beclarified: the consequences and nature of a disorder, theoptions and supports open to you, family planning andparenting. Make the most of the counseling for your own
best interest. It serves as a continued resource for you.
Q12. Where do I start for genetic counseling?
A. To find the right institution for you, visit the website
on the back cover.
You can talk to your practitioner about where to seek
genetic services. Specially-trained professionals, such asboard-certified geneticists/genetic counselors will be ofyour help.
*Patients with limited Japanese proficiency are expected
to bring an interpreter.
Q13. How can I make an appointment?
A. You can always ask a referral from your health careprovider, or locate a service and make an appointment
yourself. Bring your partner with you to the session if
possible. Your geneticist/counselor will always be happy
to assist you.