Cystic Fibrosis Testing: Understanding Carrier Status and Pregnancy History

Question
I AM 38YRS. OLD AND HAVE 4 CHILDREN, THE FIRST 3 FROM A PREVIOUS MARRIAGE. LAST MENSTRUAL PERIOD WAS OCT.14,2004. MY LAST CHILD IS 18MO. AND WAS BORN 16 WKS. PREMATURE WEIGHING ONLY 1LB.3OZ NOW SHE WEIGHS 15LBS AND IS HEALTHY IN EVERY WAY OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT SHE'S LITTLE AND A PICKY EATER. SO NOW HER PULMO. DR. WANTS TO HAVE HER TESTED FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS. WOULD I HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THAT WHEN I WAS PREGNANT WITH HER SINCE I ALSO WOULD HAVE TO BE A CARRIER?

Answer
You may or may not have been tested for cystic fibrosis during pregnancy. There is a test but many obstetricians do not include this test in their normal battery of tests unless you have a history in the family or of some ethnic groups.  It is probably a good idea to be tested now. That way you will know if there is a genetic problem for future pregnancies. If you were tested during pregnancy, your doctor should have a record of the test in your chart. If not, take a the test again.