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Genetic
counselors are masters-level healthcare providers with specialized training
and education in medical genetics and counseling.
Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including
biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work.
The American Board of Genetic Counseling
certifies genetic counselors.
In general, genetic
counselors:
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Present medical and risk information to patients in a way that is
understandable.
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Translate
scientific knowledge into practical information.
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Address
the complex emotional, social, and familial implications of genetic
conditions, testing options, and screening.
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Help
patients adapt to this information and provide emotional support and
understanding.
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Point
patients to local and national resources and coordinate appropriate genetic
testing and screening.
Many
different types of people benefit from having a genetics consultation before or
during a pregnancy:
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Mom
will be 35 years or older at delivery
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An
ultrasound or a blood
test taken during the pregnancy shows possible problems with the baby
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Personal
or family history of a known or suspected genetic disorder (for example,
hemophilia), birth defect (for example, cleft lip), or chromosomal disorder
(for example, Down syndrome)
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Exposure
to a known or suspected teratogen (substance that causes birth defects)
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Mom
has a medical condition known or suspected to affect fetal development, such
as diabetes or a seizure disorder
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Couples
who have had two or more unexplained miscarriages or stillbirths
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Close
biological relationship of parents (second cousins or closer)
During
a prenatal genetics consultation, a genetic counselor will:
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Take
a pregnancy history and detailed, directed family history.
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Discuss
the chances of having (and not having) a baby with a birth defect based on
both partners’ ethnic background, mother’s age, the results of any blood
tests or ultrasounds that have been done, the mother’s pregnancy history,
both partners’ family histories, and any medications or infections the
mother has been exposed to.
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Discuss
all the options the patient has for learning about the baby’s health
before birth, including doing no testing, ultrasounds, blood tests, and
sometimes amniocentesis or specialized genetic tests.
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Try
to be sure the patient understand the benefits and disadvantages about the
different prenatal tests and what kind of information is learned about the
baby’s health from each test.
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Help
the patient make decisions about prenatal testing that are informed and
appropriate for her and her family.
A
genetic counselor will also, when needed:
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Notify patients of the results of any prenatal tests done.
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Help
the patient understand how the pregnancy and the baby’s health will be
affected by any birth defect or genetic condition that is diagnosed in the
baby.
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Provide
Internet sites, written brochures or articles, and peer support resources
appropriate for the patient and her family.
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Coordinate
appointments with other doctors such as pediatric heart or neurology
specialists.
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Research
the availability of and coordinate any other genetic testing that is
appropriate for the patient and her family.
To
find a genetic counselor in your area, go to: http://www.nsgc.org/resourcelink.asp.
If you live in the Seattle/King County area, and you would like to talk more
about these tests and making a decision please call us at (425) 688-8111
(Bellevue) or (425) 899-2200 (Kirkland) to schedule an appointment.
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