Genetic testing can be very helpful for some people. Such procedures may be strongly advised for people who have a family history of genetic abnormalities, or people who are over 35 and at higher risk of having children with birth defects. But genetic testing can be very stressful, and some of the screening tests can generate false positives, along with a need for more invasive testing.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises that you ask yourself a few guiding questions as you explore genetic testing. First, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your own medical risk factors. Then, you should ask yourself how much information you want to know about your baby. If you are prone to anxiety, results from genetic tests may not be helpful to you.

Finally, you should consider what you’d do if you found out that your baby had a genetic abnormality. Some parents might feel more comfortable than others proceeding with their pregnancies, some may feel more comfortable to terminate the pregnancy and some may not have access to abortion services.