Genetic Counseling

If you are at high risk for having a baby with a genetic disease, genetic counseling and carrier screening can help you and your partner assess your risk of having a baby with the disorder. You may be at high risk of having a child with a genetic disorder if you (or the baby’s father) have a family history of that disease. You also are at high risk if you had a previous child with certain disorders. However, a baby can be born with a birth defect even if the parents do not have these risk factors.

A genetic counselor has special training in how certain diseases are passed from one generation to the next. He or she will ask you and your baby’s father for a detailed family history. If a family member has a problem, the counselor may ask to see that person’s medical records. You may be referred for physical exams or tests. Using all the information gathered, the counselor will assess the baby’s risk of having a problem and discuss your options with you.