fundamentals
Uses of Genetics
Diagnosing genetic disorders before birth
Advances in techniques that assess people’s genetic characteristics and increased understanding of human genetics have improved diagnosis of genetic disorders before birth. In some cases, genetic disorders that are diagnosed before birth can be treated after birth or sometimes before, which prevents future complications. For example, corticosteroids given to the mother before birth may decrease the severity of a type of genetic hormone deficiency in the offspring. Genetic Screening Before Pregnancy can be used to counsel parents about the risks of passing on a genetic disorder to their offspring. Screening can also be used to detect abnormalities in a fetus ( Genetics may be able to help predict what disorders a person is likely to develop or how the person will respond to certain treatments. 