Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling helps families understand information about birth defects and inherited conditions. Detailed information about your family is reviewed. If there is a family history of a genetic disorder, the genetic counselor will also provide up-to-date information about genetic tests, treatments, research options, support organizations and community resources. Genetic counselors also provide specialized counseling for patients of advanced maternal age as well as those with positive serum screening results and abnormalities identified on ultrasound examinations. Every effort is made to provide families with the necessary information to make the best decisions for them based on their own religious, cultural and moral beliefs.
Prenatal genetic counseling is often recommended for any of the following reasons:
- You or your partner has a family history of a genetic condition (e.g. muscular dystrophy), birth defect (e.g. cleft lip/palate) or mental retardation
- Maternal serum screening indicates that your baby is at increased risk for Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or spina bifida
- You will be 35 or older at delivery
- An ultrasound examination has determined a birth defect in the developing baby
- You have a history of multiple pregnancy losses (miscarriages) or a stillbirth
- You or your partner has had a positive screen for cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia or another genetic condition
- You have a medical condition that is associated with an increased risk of birth defects (e.g. diabetes)
- You and your partner are blood relatives
- You have been exposed to certain medications or other agents that may cause birth defects such as alcohol, street drugs, chemicals or infections during your pregnancy
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- You and your partner have concerns about the chance of having a child with a birth defect or genetic disease and wish to lean more about available testing
