Why and when is genetic counseling done And How is it helpful in pregnancy?

Posted by Dr. Neha Gupta on January 4th, 2021

Genetic counseling is done by a genetic counselor. Your counselor will explain to you how certain disorders or structural abnormalities run in families and how they influence your family's well being. 

You may need genetic testing if certain disorders run in your family or if pre-birth tests show that there is a risk of passing these disorders to your baby.

The fetal medicine and genetics specialist can assist you with understanding these test results to help you settle on choices about your pregnancy and your infant's consideration. 

You can get counseling done pre or during pregnancy. Dr. Neha Gupta is the most efficient fetal medicine and genetics specialist.

What is genetic counseling? 

Genetic counseling is the information provided by the counselor as to how certain genetic diseases might affect you and your family and what is the risk of transmission to your children. The doctor will first collect your family history.

It is done in those cases-

1.  If there is a history of hereditary disease in your family.

2.  If there is a history of  birth defects or genetic disease in the previous child

3.  If there is a history of certain findings on ultrasound in the present pregnancy which can point towards a genetic disorder.

4.  Abnormal screening results or invasive testing results

After genetic counseling, a repeat scan or certain examinations might be prescribed. You can get genetic counseling done at any moment, prior to or during pregnancy. 

Who ought to get genetic counseling? 

You may need genetic counseling if: 

You have a hereditary condition, or you have a kid with a hereditary condition like thalassemia or a birth deformity. These circumstances may run in your family. 

Advanced maternal age (> 35 years) increases the risk of developing chromosomal disorders like Downs syndrome.

You and your accomplice may be first cousins or other blood family members. Consanguinity raises the risk of genetic diseases.

You may be advised to undergo genetic testing to confirm whether you are a carrier of such disorders or not. A detailed ultrasound is also done in the first and second trimester to rule out major birth abnormalities which can point  towards genetic disorders.

Contact us to get an appointment for genetic counseling in pregnancy.