Many couples or women expecting a child or considering having a baby may wish to take advantage of genetic counseling. Perhaps there's a family history of birth defects or exposure to substances known to cause birth defects. Whatever your reason, preconception/prenatal genetic counseling may provide answers and possibly peace of mind for your family.
Preconception or prenatal counseling may help you:
- Clearly understand your specific risks
- Learn about screening and testing options before or during pregnancy
- Better understand complex information required for informed choices
- Discuss the pros and cons of screening and testing to determine the best decisions for you and your family
Understanding this information helps you make informed, educated decisions. We understand that genetic testing is a personal choice. Our genetic counselors explain medical and scientific information in easy-to-understand terms. They may also offer options for additional testing if indicated.
Preconception or prenatal genetic counseling is recommended if:
- You are a pregnant woman and 35 years or older at due date. Although most babies born to women age 35 and older are healthy, as women age their chances of having a baby with certain birth defects increases.
- You have already had a screening test during the pregnancy that suggests there might be a higher risk for problems
- Your ancestral background may put you at a higher risk for certain genetic conditions
- You have been exposed to substances that may cause birth defects
- You and your partner have common relatives or are blood related
- You or your partner have had a child with a genetic or inherited condition
- You or your partner have a family history of a genetic disorder
Preparing for your visit
Gathering your family history is perhaps the most important thing you can do to prepare for your visit. This includes history on you and your partner, your children, parents, your brothers and sisters and their children, and grandparents.
During the visit, our counselors will review this history and explain any identified risk factors, helping you understand your chance of having a baby with a genetic condition, and providing information about screening and testing options.
There are two basic types of tests available that provide more information before a baby is born - screening tests and diagnostic tests. Screening tests provide information about the chances of abnormalities such as Down syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities. When screening tests indicate a higher risk pregnancy, we help expectant parents understand medical and scientific language and offer options for additional testing, including diagnostic tests that may determine specific conditions. To learn more, download a information sheet on Prenatal Testing and Screening Options.
Many pregnant women and couples are referred to us through the Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists at MAHEC's Regional OBGYN Specialists. Your physician may refer you to us and these specialists together.
Contact:
If you would like more information on preconception or prenatal genetics counseling at Fullerton Genetics Center call us at 828-213-0022, or use our online contact form.
