APPENDIX 3: Interview with Kayla Sheets, Genetic Counselor

Summary

• Genetic consultant Kayla Mandel Sheets provides guidelines for couples considering pregnancy, with a focus on genetic health preparation.
• She recommends couples plan their reproductive health strategy 3-6 months before they plan on getting pregnant.
• Diet, exercise, and mental health all impact the wellbeing of the baby not just at birth but throughout its lifetime due to the role of epigenetics, the expression of genes.
• Specifically, Sheets advises pregnancy hopefuls to consult with their OB/GYN, establish a healthy diet with a nutritionist, maintain their oral hygiene, heal any lingering injuries, monitor vitamin and iron deficiencies, manage stress levels, and consider prenatal supplementation.
• Not only those with known genetic disorders should consult a genetic counselor before attempting conception as testing provides important information that can be vital when managing their pregnancy.
• The consultation will cover the couple's family health history and the genetic counselor can coordinate follow-up testing should any cause for concern arise. If there is a risk for a future pregnancy disorder, a myriad of options are available including IVF or genetic screening, gamera donation, or adoption.
• Sheets believes the knowledge of one's genes saves lives when interpreted correctly, something an experienced genetic counselor can offer.
• She hosts and produces a YouTube series called The Vibrant Gene Talk Show that covers a range of genetic health topics, has a personal blog with various resources and materials available, and maintains a social media e-learning community for those interested in better understanding their genetics.
• Sheets believes that while Autism Spectrum Disorders and schizophrenia, complex conditions with genetic and environmental factors attributed to them, should be considered, with a healthy diet and exercise, the lifestyle risk can be moderated.
• She argues that between the potential of gamete donation and adoption, as well as future technologies and treatments that could potentially prevent conditions of the sort, the perceived risk can be managed.
• Sheets can be reached for private genetic counseling through her website www.vibrantgene.com, and provides personalized consultations for preconception and prenatal care to clients locally, nationally, and internationally.