Talking about your family background is not meant to upset you or your partner. Gathering information is the best way to be aware if there could be any problems. The best way to get this information is to ask family members about babies and their health over the years.

The Best Start Resource Centre recommends some of these types of questions:

Did anyone have a child who:

• Had trouble walking, wore leg braces or used a wheel chair
  
  
• Was sick a lot or had to go to the doctor a lot
  
  
• Had trouble breathing
  
  
• Had heart problems or seizures
  
  
• Had to be extra careful not to get cut
  
  
• Had unusual facial features
  
  
• Was mentally slow or had to go to special schools
  
  
• Was blind or deaf
  
  
• Died very young

Questions to ask yourself:

• Have I already had a baby with a birth defect?
  
  
• Have I had 3 or more miscarriages or a stillbirth?
  
  
• Is my partner a close relative?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, discuss this with your health care provider. They will help you determine if you need additional genetic counselling.