What happens when two cousins ​​have a child? Discover the main genetic risks

Unlike Brazil, in several cultures around the world, marriage between cousins ​​is a practice acceptable and, in some cases, even encouraged by relatives themselves who wish to “keep family” relationships.

However, when a couple made up of cousins ​​decides to have children, there is a significant increase in the associated genetic risks, as well as the incidence of hereditary diseases. Today, let's investigate this story in depth!

Main diseases found in children of consanguineous parents

A study carried out in Brazil revealed that children from consanguineous marriages are 4.16 times more likely to be born with genetic diseases. Among the most common health conditions associated with cousin marriages are:

• Sickle cell anemia: a hereditary disease that affects the shape of red blood cells and can cause serious problems such as stroke, kidney and lung complications.
• Spinal muscular atrophy
  instagram story viewer
  : a rare genetic disease that affects the nervous system and muscles, leading to progressive muscle weakness and muscle atrophy.
• Cleft lip: a congenital anomaly affecting the palate, varying in severity from small clefts to larger divisions.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis: a group of rare genetic diseases that lead to the accumulation of substances in various organs, causing problems in the bones, joints, heart, eyes, ears and nervous system.
• Spoan's syndrome: a rare, neurodegenerative condition that affects movement, speech, and vision, often associated with consanguineous marriages.
• Thalassemias: hereditary blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production, resulting in anemia, fatigue, paleness, bone deformities and heart problems.

What's the explanation for that?

To understand why cousins' children may be more susceptible to genetic diseases, it is essential to remember basic biology concepts.

Each human being carries a set of genes inherited from their parents, and these genes are responsible for a person's genetic characteristics.

When parents are cousins, they share a greater number of common genes, which increases the likelihood of both transmitting defective copies of the same gene to their child.

This, in turn, increases the risk of the child developing a genetic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. So not only is it taboo, cousin marriage includes real risks for your future children.

Expert opinion

Experts recommend that cousin couples seek genetic counseling before plan a pregnancy, in order to assess the risks involved.

During this consultation, a geneticist will analyze your family history and the likelihood of specific genetic diseases, and may suggest genetic testing to identify such risks.

Genetic counseling is a fundamental process that comprises in-depth analysis, calculation risk assessment and guidance for the family members involved and provides valuable information to future country.

It is worth highlighting that, even if the final decision is made by the parents, in some cases, it is possible that the specialist discourage the conception of biological children, taking into account genetic risks and the well-being of the child.