Genetic Counseling

If abnormalities are discovered during prenatal screening or there is a family history of certain conditions, you may need to consider genetic counseling as well as more extensive medical testing. Genetic counseling allows you to work one-on-one with a health care professional who has training and expertise in genetic health risks, conditions and testing options. It is especially important to consider genetic counseling if either partner has a genetic disorder, you have a child with a genetic disorder, a genetic disorder exists in the family or your ethnic background has a high proportion of carriers of a disorder. Your counselor can offer support and help you comprehend the results of your tests.

A genetic counselor will require as extensive a health history as possible for both parents and members of their families. You will be asked to discuss your own health and that of relatives. The ethnic background of both parents will also be explored, as some disorders are much more prevalent in particular ethnic groups. This will help the counselor create an overview of certain inheritable risks your children could potentially face. The counselor can also assist you in understanding the likelihood of a genetic condition appearing due to personal or family health issues.