Quiz Answers: 

Are You a Genetic Genius or Infectiously Intelligent?

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1.       False.   While people who are blood relatives have a greater than normal chance of passing on inherited diseases to their children, it is also known that people of the same ethnic groups may also have an increased risk.^1,2 Examples include Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs, and Thalassemia.  Consultation with a health care professional or genetic counselor will provide an opportunity to explore risks and discuss options.

2.       False.   While it is advisable for a woman to discuss/explore a miscarriage (diagnosed or suspected) with her health care professional, one miscarriage does not necessarily indicate a need for further genetic counseling.  Genetic counseling should be considered, however, if there are repeated miscarriages.^1,3,4

3.       True.   It is generally accepted that women have some decrease in fertility after the age of thirty.^2,4,5 With increasing age there is also a greater chance of complicated pregnancies and deliveries, miscarriages, low birthweight babies and Down Syndrome.^2,6  Even though this can sound pretty frightening, remember that the vast majority of pregnancies in women over thirty-five do result in a healthy pregnancy and baby.⁶  Some studies also indicate male fertility may decrease with age, and children born to fathers forty years old or over have a greater chance of having certain birth defects.² Research efforts have frequently focused on females, therefore, little is known about male influences on pregnancy outcomes.

4.       True.   DES exposed daughters who have reached childbearing age may have increased rates of miscarriages and premature delivery.^2,7,8 Some studies note a higher chance of tubal pregnancies.^2,7  There is some indication that fertility can be affected as well, but not all research is in agreement about this.⁷ DES exposed sons may show changes in sperm shape, movement and counts, and may also experience changes to their reproductive system. ⁷

5.       True.   Good hand washing offers important protection against many illnesses. For a pregnant woman working with babies and small children, such as in daycare centres or other health care settings, hand washing is especially important to lower the risks of contact with cytomegalovirus (CMV). This virus is found in urine and if a woman becomes infected for the first time during pregnancy, the baby may be  stillborn or have serious medical problems such as deafness or brain damage. ⁹

There are many other infections that can affect a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Hand washing, in addition to the safe handling, preparation and storage of food are also good general practices. Avoiding products such as raw eggs, meat and fish, as well as unpasteurized dairy products (including soft cheeses) may help decrease the risk of illnesses associated with food.^{10, 11}  Even avoiding pâtés may help.¹¹  A pregnant woman should also consider that eating certain types of fish might pose risks to her health. ^{10, 11}

6.       False.   Women who are planning for pregnancy need to find out if they are protected against Rubella (German measles) and other communicable diseases. Exposure to Rubella (usually in the first few months) may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or very serious health risks in the baby. ^12,13 Even if you have been vaccinated against diseases in school, you may not have a life-long immunity. Have your immunity status to Rubella and other communicable diseases like hepatitis and chickenpox checked out before attempting pregnancy.  If necessary, get vaccinated at least three months prior to pregnancy.

7.       False.   While the majority of adults have already had chickenpox and are immune, there are health risks to the baby when a pregnant woman develops an infection.  Exposure in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy can lead to miscarriages and serious birth defects in a small number of babies. Exposure around the time of delivery can lead to severe chickenpox infection in the newborn, which can be life- threatening if untreated. ¹⁴ For those who have not yet had the disease, a vaccine is now available. Again, it should be given at least three months prior to pregnancy.

8.       True.   Pregnant women should avoid contact with cat litter or garden soil, which may contain cat feces.  It may place her at risk for an infection known as toxoplasmosis.  A pregnant woman should also avoid eating rare or undercooked meat, and all raw fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed.^11,15  Toxoplasmosis may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or serious health problems in the unborn baby.

9          True.   Research has shown the transmission of HIV to newborns can be significantly  

       reduced by treating the mother during pregnancy and treating the newborn with AZT (a 

       drug available for people with HIV). ^16,17,18

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