Each year, Genetics Awareness Week (March 10–14, 2026) highlights the important role genetics can play in a baby’s health and development. By understanding how genetics influences the body, medical teams can work closely with families to provide clarity, support, and more personalized care for babies with complex medical needs.
Genetics: The Body’s Instruction Manual
Genetics can be thought of as your body’s instruction manual. Everyone is born with a unique set of genetic instructions that tell our bodies how to grow, develop, and function. However, these instructions can sometimes change. These changes can help geneticists learn about underlying causes of certain medical conditions, such as why a baby may be born early or have specific medical needs. Identifying a genetic cause allows doctors to guide families toward the best plan of care moving forward and anticipate potential health needs as a child grows.
It is important to know that genetic changes are not caused by something you did or did not do. In most cases, these changes occur naturally and could not have been prevented.
Understanding Genetic Risk Before Pregnancy
For couples planning to start a family, carrier screening is a great way to determine their genetic risk and explore their options as they plan for pregnancy. This screening identifies if either partner carries a gene mutation for a recessive genetic disorder. If both partners carry the same recessive condition, there is a higher chance their child could be affected. Many people who carry a genetic condition are completely healthy and have no idea they are carriers. In fact, most carriers have no known family history of the condition.
How Genetic Testing Can Guide Care
Genetic counselors play an important role in helping families understand genetic information. They work closely with doctors and specialists to determine whether genetics may contribute to your baby’s condition during pregnancy and recommend which genetic tests may be most appropriate to take based on your medical history. Results from these tests can help doctors tailor care to your baby’s specific needs.
In some situations, identifying a genetic condition allows the care team to plan ahead for treatments, specialized monitoring, or additional support that may benefit the baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
A Baby’s Future Is More Than Genetics
Although genetics can offer you and your medical team valuable insight, it is important to remember that it is only one piece of your baby’s story. A genetic diagnosis does not define who a child is or what their future will hold.
Every child’s journey is unique, and with the right support, care, and resources, families can move forward with greater understanding and confidence.