Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is available for pregnant patients and women who are considering a future pregnancy. Women may be referred for genetic counseling for the following reasons:

• She will be 35 years of age or older at the time of delivery
• Abnormal prenatal or genetic screening test result (e.g. First Trimester Screening, Integrated screening Quad screening, cystic fibrosis screening)
• Known or suspected birth defect seen on ultrasound exam
• Maternal illness that may be associated with an increased risk of birth defect(s) (e.g. diabetes, PKU)
• Maternal illness that requires use of medication that may be associated with an increased risk of birth defect(s) (e.g. seizures, high blood pressure)
• Maternal exposures that may be associated with an increased risk of birth defect(s) (e.g. drug/alcohol use or certain infections)
• Family history of birth defect(s) or chromosome abnormality
• Family history of mental retardation
• Family history of genetic condition (e.g. cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease)

An appointment with a genetic counselor includes a review of your medical, family and pregnancy history. The counselor will discuss appropriate screening and diagnostic testing options and provide available education and resource materials. Typically, these appointments are 45 minutes. Your healthcare provider receives a letter summarizing the details of this appointment.

Frequently, an ultrasound exam is scheduled with this counseling appointment. If you are scheduled for genetic counseling and an ultrasound exam then you should plan to be in our office for approximately 2 hours.

Click here for more information about genetic counseling.