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 many miscarriages or infant deaths

• Have an ultrasound or blood test result that shows there might be something wrong with your baby

• You 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

• The doctor may do an exam or blood tests.

• If you are pregnant, the doctor may take 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 child's 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 may 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 after testing

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.