Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is a process in which you and your partner's risks for passing on genetic diseases are evaluated. A genetic counselor is a specially trained health-care professional who is trained to interpret and evaluate genetic risks.
Genetic counseling is recommended for all women over age 35 and especially for women who have these additional risk factors:
An abnormal prenatal test result
A defect identified through an amniocentesis result
A close family member with an inherited genetic disease
A child with a genetic disease or birth defect (or a partner who has such a child)
Ethnicity associated with high rates of certain genetic diseases (such as African Americans and sickle cell anemia)
Approximately 3 percent of all babies born in the United States have a birth defect. There are 4,000 known types of birth defects, which lead to physical abnormalities and problems. Many types, however, can be cured or treated.
When you meet with a genetic counselor, she will take a detailed family history. The counselor may arrange or coordinate testing such as blood work or amniocentesis. She then will help you understand how your family history could impact your child and what the risks are of various disorders, diseases, and defects.
She will discuss how to interpret test results and how to make a decision based on those test results. When you have test results, if there is one that is of concern, your genetic counselor will coordinate with your physician and help you understand the results.
