CMT and Family
Like any medical condition, CMT can have an impact on family life. In this section we will cover some of the issues than can arise if you or a member of your family has CMT.
Having a baby
Generally speaking, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have children of your own. However, there are issues you need to consider. If you or your partner has CMT, you have up to a one in two chance of passing the condition onto your child. For more detail on this, go to the Inheritance page and it might be possible to have genetic testing to find out whether your child has (or will have) CMT – the Genetic Testing page gives you the information you need.
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Other information
In rare cases, pregnancy and labour can cause your symptoms to worsen. When you become pregnant, your antenatal team needs to be fully aware of the implications of CMT. Of course, making the decision to have a child is a huge one, and needs much careful thought. You’ll need to discuss this with your partner – do they understand the risk of passing on CMT? How you feel about your own CMT, and the impact it has on your life will make a huge difference to which way you go. Remember, there is no right or wrong choice – it’s entirely up to you. Consider talking to others via Facebook, social media, or directly to us (some of the Trustees have children with CMT) or ask for a consultation with a genetic counsellor to get the information that you need to make an informed decision. If you already have children with CMT, maybe they’ll need extra help at school – our Education page will point you towards further information on getting the proper help for your child. It is not all doom and gloom – Check out the CMT Kids section to see what YOUR child can achieve!
