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Genetic Counseling
 Genetic counseling helps identify the risk of having a baby with birth defects, mental retardation or an inherited disease. Genetic counseling may occur either before or during a pregnancy. The process begins with a genetic counselor reviewing the parents' family, medical and obstetric histories. From this information, the counselor can determine and explain the possible genetic risks a couple may face in their pregnancy.
Not every couple needs to have genetic counseling, but those with certain risk factors may find genetic counseling and testing helpful. Risk factors include:
- mothers over 35 years old
- a history of multiple miscarriages
- a family history of a genetic disorder, such as muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis
- a family history of mental retardation or birth defects
- exposure to certain medications or drugs during pregnancy
- an ethnic or racial background in which a certain genetic disorder is more common (such as sickle cell disease for African-Americans, Tay Sachs disease for Eastern European Jews)
- abnormal maternal serum screening test results
Genetic Testing
Once risks have been identified, the genetic counselor will discuss with you any tests that are available to you and your baby. Certain blood tests may be offered to determine if parents are carriers for hereditary disorders. Other tests, such as amniocentesis or chronic virus sampling, may be offered during the pregnancy to assess the baby for specific problems. Your counselor will discuss the benefits and risks of these procedures, and how to proceed.
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