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The Center for Perinatal Care & Resident Continuity Clinic
Genetic Counseling
Clinic Hours:
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is the communication process of providing information and support to individuals and families who have questions regarding birth defects, genetic conditions or chronic health concerns in themselves, a pregnancy, their children or their extended family.
Who Can Benefit from Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling can help people with questions about genetic concerns affecting their families. A genetic counselor can provide information about the following:
- Birth defects, such as cleft lip or congenital heart disease
- Mental retardation
- Genetic disorders affecting children and adults, such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis and Huntington's disease
- Marriage between blood relatives
- Increased risk for certain diseases due to ethnic background
- Infertility, stillbirths, infant deaths or more than two miscarriages
- Diseases that run in families such as cancer, manic depression, kidney disease and certain heart conditions
A genetic counselor can also give information about the following concerns in planned or current pregnancies:
- Women who are 35 years of age or older
- Prenatal tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Effects of radiation, infections, medications, drugs or alcohol
- Health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or seizures
What Does Genetic Counseling Involve?
Genetic counseling involves assessing patients' questions and concerns and addressing them in an in-depth session. The process begins by collecting and reviewing relevant family, pregnancy and medical histories. A genetic counselor helps the individual or family:
- Comprehend the medical facts, including the diagnosis, probable course of the disorder and the available management
- Appreciate the way heredity contributes to the disorder and the risk of recurrence in specified relatives
- Understand the options for dealing with the risk of recurrence
- Choose the course of action which seems appropriate in view of the family's risk and the family's goals
- Make the best possible emotional adjustment to the disorder in an affected family member and/or to the risk of recurrence of that disorder
Who are Genetic Counselors?
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals trained in medical genetics and psychosocial counseling. Genetic counselors are master's degree trained and are board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Facts and Myths About Genetic Counseling
MYTH
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FACT
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| Genetic conditions are rare. |
Genetic conditions are not rare. About 10% of adults and 30% of children in hospitals have genetic-related conditions. |
| Genetic counselors tell people what decisions to make. |
Genetic counselors encourage people to make decisions that reflect their own personal and cultural beliefs, values and goals. Genetic counselors support the decisions made by couples and individuals. |
| People not planning to have (more) children do not need genetic counseling. |
Genetic counseling can provide information about conditions that affect people from birth through adulthood. New research technology may provide information which can improve the lives of children and adults with known or suspected genetic condition in themselves or in their families. |
How Do I Contact a Genetic Counselor?
If you are interested in learning more about genetic counseling, contact Meriter Genetic Counseling. Our phone number is listed in the Contact Us section.
3/8/2007
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