Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder more common in certain ethnic groups than in others

During my second pregnancy, my obstetrician performed a number of screening tests to determine the risk of my unborn baby having certain birth defects or diseases. In addition to the alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) and the ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT), I was screened for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). CF is an inherited disease that causes a build-up of fluid and mucus in the lungs and digestive system.

All the tests came back with negative results with the exception of the CF test. The results of the CF test showed that I was a CF carrier.  Me, a carrier of the CF gene? Why was I surprised? I know with this disease race matters. I am Black and this wasn’t my first pregnancy. Why now was I testing positive for this trait? (more…)