What is Prenatal Genetic Counseling?
Prenatal genetic counselors work with individuals, couples, or families who have an increased chance of having a child with a
birth defect or
genetic condition.
Those who are already pregnant or are considering having a child in the future can meet with a prenatal genetic counselor to learn more about the condition in question, understand their risks more clearly, and discuss options for prenatal screening,
testing, and/or assisted reproduction techniques such as sperm and egg donation.
During pregnancy, if a baby is found to have a birth defect or genetic condition you may be referred to a prenatal genetic counselor. The counselor will help the expecting parent(s) understand the medical information, what to expect, how to prepare, and options.
Why See a Prenatal Genetic Counselor?
If you:
- Are worried about a genetic condition or a disease that runs in your family.
- Have a child who is affected with a genetic condition and are thinking about having another child in the future.
- Have family members with an
intellectual disability or birth defects.
- Have a history of infertility or pregnancy losses (miscarriages or stillbirths).
- Are concerned that your health or lifestyle poses a risk to the pregnancy.
- Are concerned about risks to the pregnancy associated with increasing parental age.
- Receive abnormal prenatal screening or ultrasound results.
- Are concerned that you are at increased risk of being a carrier of a genetic condition because of your ethnic background (some diseases are more common in certain ethnicities).
- Are pregnant and the baby has been diagnosed with a birth defect or genetic condition.
- Have taken a medication or drug during pregnancy or have been exposed to a chemical and are concerned that it might cause a problem for the baby.
Additional Information: