Genetic Counseling

What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is the consultation and advice provided by a doctor about the possibility of a child being born with an inherited disease or a birth defect.

Some common genetic diseases are Down Syndrome (mongolism), thalassemia major, hemophilia and muscular dystrophy.

Who needs genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is recommended if you are planning for a baby and if any of the following applies to you:

• You and your spouse have a birth defect or a genetic disease.
• You or your spouse has a child, parent or close relative with a birth defect, a genetic disease, or mental retardation.
• You or your spouse is a carrier of a genetic disease.
• You are a woman above 35 years of age.
• You are a woman who has had three or more miscarriages or stillbirths

What happens during genetic counseling?

You will be given an appointment to meet the counselor. The counselor needs detailed information to diagnose the problem and give you the correct advice.

• You will be asked about the illness you, your parents, brothers, sisters and their children may have had.
• You will be asked about any pregnancies you may have had.
• You and your children may be examined for signs of the disease.
• Special tests may have to be done to find out what is wrong.
• Your spouse may also be called for an examination and special tests.
  

Once the problem is diagnosed, the counselor will explain:

• How the disease affects a person and how it can be treated.
• Whether the disease is inherited and how it is passed from the parent to the child.
• The chances of the disease affecting the person or his/her children.
• The risk to the children in the future if one child is already affected.
• The tests that are available to find out if an unborn child is affected.

*** Information taken from `Genetic Counseling,