PGT or "preimplantation genetic testing of embryos" – even the name is complicated. But, as we're having a genetic counselor come in to talk about testing and what the results mean, we thought a little primer on the science would help everyone understand the longer episode better.

And who better to help us than the genetic counselor herself? We'll give you her full bonafides with the full episode, but Rachel Donnell is a certified genetic counselor with a Master of Medical Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling and more than seven years of clinical experience under her belt.

Best of all, we're in for a three-for with Rachel: this bonus snack to help us get ready for the full, then a full episode on mosaicism, and finally, another snack on the far side on commercial genetic testing (think 23andMe). It's a lot of science, but Rachel's job is — literally — helping people understand genetic testing. She's very, VERY good at it.

In this bonus snack, Ruby, Anne, and Rachel talk about the categories of possible genetic diseases, the different kinds of tests, what testing can reveal, what testing can't reveal (or guarantee), and what patients can do with the results. They also talk through the process, so patients can rest assured that testing is safe for the embryos.

If you're considering PGT or if it's been recommended to you, this is a great way to add to your understanding of what the testing involves and what testers are looking for. As always, we hope you'll share it with anyone you know who can benefit!

Find more about Rachel, Ruby, and Anne at Seattle Reproductive Medicine (seattlefertility.com) and hear more episodes of The Whole Pineapple at https://thewholepineapple.com/.