How can we avoid having a baby with the "SS" genotype ( a sickle cell baby)?

Question

We have been dating for 4 years now. We started making arrangements to get married. My Mom used to tell me I am of the "AS" genotype. I guess my Mom assumed so. My boyfriend forced me to go and get my complete medical report. He already produced his own, before we started dating. He is of the "AS" genotype. I did my medical test twice, and the result shows that I am also of the "AS" genotype, contrary to what my Mom assumed.

The issue now, is that My boyfriend and I are of the "AS" genotype. From the study of heredity in college, I was made to understand that if two people of "AS" genotypes get married, they stand the chance of bearing a "SS" genotype baby (sickle cell baby).

My Mom had advised that we break up, if there is no way of avoiding having the sickle cell baby. My boyfriend and I would like to have at least a baby. My boyfriend and I love each other so much. I can't just imagine me, breaking up with a guy with whom i grew up for 4 years. He can't just leave me alone. We are life to each other.

We love to get married, and have at least a baby. Please, how can we get married with this "AS" genotypes, and not have the "SS" genotype baby (sickle cell baby). Please I need a way out fast. My heart is bleeding as I am asking this question. This is my true life story, what is actually happening to me now. I need answers as fast as possible please!

Aside breaking up advice, what other feasible options do we have? Please I need as many options as possible. Please!

Answer 1

If having children someday is a definite priority for you, and you are pretty sure that your boyfriend is "the one", then you should go to a genetic counselor together before moving forward with marriage or getting pregnant. That way, you can determine the true risks with the help an expert, and decide what you want to to do from there. Whatever the results, you can consider the level of risk, how up to the risk you are or aren't, the possibility of choosing not to have children, the possibility that you could always adopt if you are uncomfortable having children with him, the possibility of parting ways...or maybe the results would turn out in your favor!

But the bottom line is that a genetic counselor is the only one who can truly determine your risks.