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Genetic counseling for women

Genetic counseling assesses a couple's or individual's risk of passing on genetic problems to their unborn children. A genetic counselor provides a complete review of family, pregnancy and personal medical histories for both the mother and father.

Genetic counselors have specialized graduate degrees and experience in human genetics and counseling. They support both the patient and physician by identifying genetic risks, explaining the implications of test results and providing patient education.

Who can benefit?

Your physician may recommend genetic counseling if:

• You are over the age of 35 at delivery
• Results of prenatal tests indicate an increased risk for Down Syndrome, spina bifida or other potential birth defects
• You have been exposed to medications, infection, alcohol abuse or environmental toxins
• You have had previous miscarriages, stillbirth or infant death
• You or your partner have a family history of genetic conditions, mental retardation or birth defects
• You or your partner have a history of mental illness, cancer, diabetes, heart disease or other serious health concerns
• You would like information about genetic conditions that occur more frequently in your ethnic group

Types of genetic tests

Women have the option of improved screening and diagnostic tests during their pregnancy. Possible tests include:

Amniocentesis is a procedure performed under ultrasound guidance where the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is tested to diagnose or rule out a chromosome abnormality, inherited genetic diseases, neural tube defects and other conditions. To learn more click here.

Down syndrome and Trisomy 18 can be screened for with a combination of an ultrasound and a blood test performed between the 11th and 13th weeks of pregnancy. To learn more click here.

In every ethnic, demographic or racial group there are certain inherited disorders that occur more frequently than in the general population. Such is the case for individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent whose ancestors lived in Central or Eastern Europe. To learn more click here.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that severely affects breathing and digestion. It's estimated that in the general Caucasian population, the carrier frequency of CF is between 1/25 to 1/29 people. To learn more click here.

Learn more

Genetic Counseling Services translates scientific knowledge into practical information that you can use in making family decisions. For more information about genetic counseling, click here or call 414-219-5561 or 414-329-5685.

For genetic counseling for cancer, click here.