 What can genetic counseling do for me?
One of the most important goals of The Center for Genetics & Maternal Fetal Medicine is to provide you with information that is educational and understandable. With this, we can help you make decisions that are best for you and your pregnancy. All patients considering prenatal testing and diagnosis or prenatal screening participate in a genetic counseling session. During a session one of our board certified genetic counselors gathers your medical, pregnancy and family genetic histories. With this information the genetic counselor can determine whether you are at an increased risk for having a baby with certain types of birth defects. If your pregnancy is considered at an increased risk, the counselor will explain why and will thoroughly answer all of your questions. The counselor will then discuss your options for prenatal testing, including the risks, benefits and limitations of each test. A prenatal test can determine whether or not a fetus is affected with a certain birth defect or genetic abnormality, and in most cases the type of abnormality. It is important to note that testing not available for every genetic abnormality or birth defect. In most cases, patients are reassured that their fetus does not have defect or abnormality. In cases where problem is diagnosed, the counselors work closely with you and your physician to help you make informed decisions.
 Why would I be referred for genetic counseling?
High risk pregnancy is a term used with certain conditions that can affect the health of the mother during pregnancy and/or the outcome of the pregnancy. Indications for a highrisk pregnancy are:
- You have a health problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a blood disorder (i.e. sickle cell anemia, thalassemia thrombocytopenia), a seizure disorder, an isoimmune disease, heart disease, lung disease, HIV or other infectious disease or autoimmune disorder (lupus, thyroid), h/o blood clot when you needed to be on blood thinners, physical or sensory disability, organ transplant or chronic kidney disease or dialysis, or rheumatic arthritis,
- You require specific medications to control a condition or disease such as a heart condition, a bleeding problem, psychological problems or a seizure disorder,
- You developed high blood pressure during your pregnancy,
- You have a history of preterm delivery for any reason,
- You had a previous high-risk pregnancy for any reason,
- You are currently pregnant with multiple fetuses,
- You are carrying a fetus with a known birth defect that requires special testing or monitoring and/or delivery of the pregnancy,
- You have experienced previous pregnancy loss (miscarriage or stillbirth) two or more in the1st trimester or one or more in the 2nd trimester, or poor previous pregnancy outcomes.
Our Center provides diagnostic consultations with our maternal fetal medicine specialists (perinatologists) for patients with any one or combination of the above conditions. For certain indications, we offer genetic counseling and prenatal testing and diagnosis to help the patient make an informed choice about her pregnancy management options. Our specialists either manage the entire pregnancy through delivery of the baby or co-manage the pregnancy with the patient’s current obstetrician. If you have any one or combination of the above conditions or if you have questions about high risk pregnancy, please contact us. Preconceptional counseling is also available with our perinatologists.
Some of the conditions listed above as well as several others fall under the area known as reproductive genetics. Reproductive genetics focuses on fetuses at risk for having a wide range of birth defects specifically due to a problem with their genes or chromosomes. Pregnant women in this category can benefit from a genetic consultation.
 Why should I meet with a high risk obstetrician or genetic counselor prior to becoming pregnant?
Today as more and more information is being made available about high risk pregnancies, even couples who are just considering becoming pregnant have questions and concerns. The Center encourages and welcomes you for preconceptional counseling. During a counseling session, one of our specialists will address all of your concerns and help you determine how to best prepare yourself for pregnancy. You will also discuss pregnancy management options based on your prior or current medical and family history. If you are considering becoming pregnant, please do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment. |