Hello ladies,
I wonder how many of you are in the same marriage mix with me but would appreciate info and advice from any of you. Thank you!
I am Oriental and my husband is Caucasian. Are there any special test required for us during pregnancy and post-birth? I read, in Matilda's guidebook to having a baby in HK, that babies of parents who are of caucasian origin should have the PKU test when they are 6-10 days old. The test is for a rare condition occurring in about 1 in 10000 babies, that if left untreated, can result in brain damage.
I don't know if this apply to us since only one of us is caucasian. And also, are there any other tests required for a "mixed" pregnancy like mine.
Sunny
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crj
19 yrs ago
Ask your doctor.
Our OBGYN conducted all the prenatal tests, and our Pediatrician is managing our test and innoculation schedule for the baby.
There are some tests that are more relevant for certain ethic groups - like Tay Sachs for those with Eastern European Jewish ancestry.
I thought PKU was for all babies, but maybe not?
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Crj- I will ask my obgyn for sure. But since the next appointment isn't due for a few weeks, I am just eager to find out more info on this topic now.
Ladies, appreciate any of your info and advice. Thanks!
Sunny
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Hi again Sasha, I agree with what you said about couples like us are less likely to have problems that would normally manifest in couples of same race. Egiptian in-breeding is well known for their birth defects. No offense to anyone who are in the same race marriage :)
It's good to know that we should not require tests during pregnancy. But do check this out with your gynae as I think PKU test is required for your baby if your husband is caucasian.
A girl wrote to me saying she thought PKU test is standard. Then I realise she must be causasian herself so in her country, PKU test would be a standard. But not so in oriental counntries.
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Wonderful! Lets talk in general terms. In-breeding is the curse of closed societies. Mixed marriages generally produce healthy handsome babies. In our unit in Beijing 20% of of babies are Joint-Venture baies. Go for it.
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crj
19 yrs ago
Actually, I am a HK resident, go to a local doctor and since he told me it was a standard test I just went with it. I never heard of it before I was told it was a normal thing to do.
Maybe he only told me that because I am white (but in a mixed ethnicity marriage)... but I would err on the side of caution anyway - it was just a prick in the baby's foot.
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Dr. Moreton- haha, joint-venture babies, nice term. I am working on it, sir! Cannot guarantee it to be handsome though but would be happy as long as it's healthy:) Do wish I get a blonde baby but quite unlikely coz I am black hair myself.
Crj- I would go for the PKU test for sure and thanks for the reassurance that it's only a quick prick. But I still need to find out if there are any tests "I" need to do during pregnancy. My obgyn hasn't mentioned anything yet and he has met my husband so knows our racial background.
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Dr. Moreton, you are so right. My family is a joint venture (actually many joint ventures), and not to boast or anything, but... hahahahahaha
;D
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crj
19 yrs ago
SSUp->
The PKU isn't that quick, but it is just a prick in the foot. The Dr put a plaster on the baby and he was fine... I don't think it bothered him by the time we got home.
I think it is a great idea to ask, we did the same based on our specitic backgrounds and family histories, not because we are different from each other - but I think the question should be more specific.
ie, I am ethnic Chinese, my husband is French, his borther has a peanut allergy and there is a historiy of xyz genetic disease in my family... are there any special tests or precautions we need to take. The tests will not be because you are a 'joint venture' but due to your specific ethnic backgrounds, blood types and any specific family history like genetic diseases or allergies.
:)
PS - I agree, J-V babies are so cute, and turn into beautiful adults too :)
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Crj- I agree. I will ask the necessary questions based on our specific backgrounds and see what kind of potion could my obgyn brew up for us haha.
Yes, I am so looking forward to "meeting" our baby. My niece, also a JV, is very pretty with brown hair brown eyes (my sis-in-law has chestnut colour complexion). My parents are hoping "this one" to be blonde haha. Although less likely coz of my dominant "black" attributes, but there is still a chance it can be blonde at the start. Many western babies are blonde as a baby then turn dark later.
I know we will be happy with whatever colour it turns out to be. So long as it has good health and good skin :)
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My husband always gets laughs by calling our daughter JV. One thing to note: I have Rh Neg. blood which is super, super rare in China. (husband is Chinese and A positive) but not that rare in the US. I just got a Rhogam injection and will get another shortly after delivery. The majority of Chinese hospitals cannot provide this injection. Good idea for the OP to pose the question.There are some things that require a heads up in cross cultural unions!
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There various hereditary diseases that are more common in different races.
e.g. PKU, Cystic fibrosis in Caucasian; Thalassemia in Chinese
There are some screening tests that can be done before planning pregnancy, the best thing to do is to see their dr for advise.
Matilda Health Centre 852-2849 1500
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong
http://www.matilda.org
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