WHAT IS GENETIC COUNSELING?

The process in which a healthcare professional provides information about a real or potential genetic issue that may affect a current or future pregnancy. In our office, the physician and nurse practitioners provide this service. We also work closely with genetic counselors in the community and other parts of the country.

WHO MAY NEED GENETIC COUNSELING?

• Any pregnant woman who will be 35 years or older at the time of delivery.
• Individuals who have a personal and/or family history of a chromosomal anomaly, birth defect, or mental retardation.
• Couples at risk for having a child with a genetic condition such as Tay Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell disease/anemia.
• Couple with increased risk of Spina Bifida.
• Women who have had an abnormal AFP/Triple Screen/1st Trimester Screen/Quad Screen, indicating an increased risk of Down Syndrome, trisomy 18 or neural tube defect.
• Patients with abnormal ultrasound findings.
• Individuals who have experience 2 or more pregnancy losses.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING COUNSELING?

A healthcare provider will ask you to complete a genetic questionnaire. You will discuss your personal health history and your family history. The healthcare provider will explain the genetic issue and identify any genetic testing that may be available. They will provide you with community resources and very often, written information. Genetic counseling is non-directive, therefore, our healthcare providers are here to support the individual, couple, and/or family in their decisions regarding testing and management.

WHAT IS PRECONCEPTUAL COUNSELING?

The process in which a healthcare professional provides information about a real or potential health issue, prior to pregnancy.

WHO MAY NEED PRECONCEPTUAL COUNSELING?

• Individuals who have experience 2 or more pregnancy losses.
• Individuals who have a personal and/or family history of a chromosomal anomaly, birth defect, or mental retardation.
• Couples at risk for having a child with a genetic condition such as Tay Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell disease/anemia.
• Couple with increased risk of Spina Bifida.
• Individuals with a history of chronic disease such as diabetes, sickle cell disease/anemia, Lupus, or other serious medical conditions.
• Individuals with exposure to harmful substances such as radiation, chemicals, drugs or alcohol.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING COUNSELING?

A healthcare provider will ask you to complete a genetic questionnaire. You will discuss your personal health history, social history, and family history. The healthcare professional will provide information regarding potential testing and/or health risks which may be involved with your pregnancy.