Genetic test gave me a sense of security - mum

1 hour ago

Grace WoodYorkshire

News image — Anisa Iqbal gave birth to her son two months ago

Anisa Iqbal A woman with long dark hair wearing a black jumper sitting in a restaurant — Anisa Iqbal gave birth to her son two months ago

A first-time mum with muscular dystrophy has encouraged women to take part in a genetic study, saying it offers a "sense of security".

Anisa Iqbal, 32, from Bradford, is one of 1,500 women signed up to The Generation Study, which identifies over 200 rare genetic conditions in newborn babies.

Iqbal signed up for the study during an antenatal class before giving birth to her son Kiyaan, who is now two months old, because of her own genetic disability, which she did not discover until her teenage years.

"There are so many conditions you probably haven't even heard of or are aware of that they can test for, and it can be picked up very early on rather than finding out about it later on," she said.

"It's a sense of security and knowing that the tests have been done."

Iqbal said Kiyaan's birth had been difficult after she contracted sepsis when her waters broke at 35 weeks, leading to her spending a month in hospital in the lead-up to labour during which she experienced a fourth-degree tear.

But after the genetic test had been carried out, the family discovered Kiyaan's results were clear.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Two women in nurses uniform stood either side of a pink poster for the Generation Study — The research team at Bradford Teaching Hospitals has recruited 1,500 women for the study

The test is done by taking a sample from the umbilical cord or a blood test on the baby's foot.

Within a few months, the family receives their results and a digital file of their DNA is kept for approved researchers to study.

"It's literally done within seconds. I would 100% recommend it to anyone," Iqbal said.

"If it saves one more person's life, then absolutely it's something that everyone should get done."

Jenny Butler, research midwife and principal investigator for the Generation Study in Bradford, said achieving 1,500 participants was a "fantastic achievement" for the city.

"By participating in the Generation Study, families from Bradford can access genetic testing through the programme, helping babies receive treatment more quickly if a genetic condition is identified."

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