Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 12/19/2007

Question
Dear Dana,

I`m Dewi, 36 years old. My husband and I got married several months ago and plan to have a baby next year. I was born from an Indonesian mother and a Chinese father, while my husband an Irish mother and an English father.The question I`d like to ask you is whether there is any genetic incompatibility we need to be aware of and whether  there is any special immunization/vaccination the baby needs later. Thank you for your time and answer.

Kindest regards,

Dewi

Answer
Dear Dewi,

Actually, the more distantly related the parents, the *healthier* the baby is likely to be.  As long as the two parents are of the same species (and I'm assuming you are), then there is no reason to think there might be any "genetic incompatibility" between you.

What is risky is two closely related people having children, because there is a higher likelihood of recessive harmful traits being inherited from *both* parents (even if the parents don't express a harmful genetic condition, such as Tay Sachs Disease or Sickle Cell Anemia, they may only be carriers), and thus express the harmful trait.

Whether the two of you carry any of the same harmful genetic conditions is not possible to know with the technology today.  But prenatal testing will allay any fears you might have, though with the combination of heritage you and your husband have, I'd think the chances were pretty slim that you both carry the same harmful genetic condition.

Vaccinations have nothing to do with genetic conditions, and they cannot prevent or cure them.  The need for immunizations should be discussed with your pediatrician.

Hope this helps.

Dana