About this topic
Parents pass genes to their children. Sometimes, the genes can cause health problems. Some of these health problems are: ‚
- Down syndrome
- Cystic fibrosis
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Sickle cell anemia
Genetic counseling will help you learn and know about your health history. This will help you find out how likely it is to pass a gene for a health problem to your children. ‚
Genetic counselors are experts who can help you: ‚
- Know what health problems run in your family
- Learn about genetic testing and answer your questions about it
- Decide if you need to have genetic testing
- Ask for a genetic test to be ordered
- Review with you the results of your genetic test and help you deal with them
- Find support services
General
Your doctor may send you for genetic counseling if you: ‚
- Are worried that your lifestyle, health history or health problem may be passed on to your children
- Are pregnant or want to have children after age 35
- Have a baby who was born with a genetic problem or other health problem
- Had three or more miscarriages or a baby who died within the first 12 months of life
- Have an ultrasound or blood test result that shows there might be something wrong with your baby
- And your partner are close relatives
During genetic counseling: ‚
- You will learn about your family history and the health problems that run in your family
- You will have tests. Some of these tests are:
- Blood tests
- Physical exams
- Taking a sample of the fluid inside your womb if you are pregnant. This is an amniocentesis.
- You will find out what kind of health problems you and your partner can pass to your children, like:
- Birth defects
- Learning problems
- Too many or not enough chromosomes
- Cancer
- You will learn how the health problem can affect your childs life. The genetic counselor will help you decide what to do. The genetic counselor can help you plan for your baby.
- You will learn about lifestyle choices that may affect the risk of an illness being passed on to your baby.
- Your counselor may send you to a doctor who can help you with your test results.
- The genetic counselor will help you find experts or support groups.
What will the results be?
You will find out what health problems run in your family. You will know if you are likely to pass an illness to your child. You may find out if your unborn baby has an illness passed to them from you or your partner. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Low mood
- Worry
- Pregnancy problems
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You feel depressed
- You have problems like bleeding, fluid leaking,or early labor
Helpful tips
Make sure you are at ease with your counselor. It is very helpful if you can speak openly with your genetic counselor about any concerns or questions you have. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pediatricgenetics/genetic_counseling.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/genetic_counseling.html ‚
National Human Genome Research Institute ‚
http://www.genome.gov/19016905 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚