Why should I be concerned about my family history?

A family history of a genetic disorder in a child, parent, close relative or previous pregnancy may be an indicator of an increased chance of having a child with a genetic condition. The nature of the condition may be a single gene disorder such as cystic fibrosis or thalassaemia; a major genetic susceptibility such as a familial cancer predisposition, cardiomyopathy or neuromuscular disease; a history of a birth defect, intellectual disability or autism; or a chromosome disorder, eg Down syndrome.

Couples may wish to know how their family history influences their chance of having a healthy child and, in particular, their chance of having a child with a genetic condition. Understanding the information prior to starting a family allows couples to fully consider the implications at the outset.