At THE WEEK Health Summit 2025, Priya Kadam of MedGenome spotlighted how reproductive genomics is redefining prenatal and reproductive healthcare in India. Emphasising the critical role of early detection, she said, “Diagnosis at the right time helps,” noting that timely genetic insight can dramatically improve health outcomes for both mother and child.
Kadam underscored that any pregnancy can be at risk, regardless of maternal age or family history, making access to advanced genomic tools all the more essential. One of the biggest breakthroughs in this space is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)—a simple blood test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus with remarkable accuracy. Once considered expensive and elite, NIPT has now become significantly more accessible, placing it within reach for a much wider population.
She explained that today’s reproductive genomics landscape is rich with advanced technologies designed to improve diagnostic precision. KaryoSeq HD enhances the detection of chromosomal abnormalities, while carrier screening tests help couples identify if they carry genetic conditions that could be passed on to their children. For those undergoing IVF, Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) offers an additional safety net by evaluating embryos for genetic disorders before implantation, ensuring a healthier start to pregnancy.
Kadam also highlighted the importance of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA), a test that can detect micro-deletions and duplications too small to be caught through routine screening. Tools like Rhesus D Track are also helping clinicians manage Rh incompatibility between mother and foetus, another key source of pregnancy complications.
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With rapid advancements in whole genome sequencing, Kadam noted that genetic science is moving toward even more comprehensive and personalised insights. As sequencing becomes faster and more cost-effective, its clinical use in pregnancy and neonatal care is expected to grow substantially.
Yet, Kadam stressed that technology alone cannot drive change. Genetic counselling remains vital. Counsellors help families interpret complex genetic data, understand risks, and make informed, stigma-free decisions. “Reproductive genomics is no longer the future, it’s already here,” she remarked.