Genetic Counseling

Summary

Genetic counseling provides information and support to people who have, or may be at risk for, genetic disorders. A genetic counselor meets with you to discuss genetic risks. The counseling may be for yourself or a family member. Or you may get it when you are planning or expecting a baby. You may follow up with genetic testing.

There are many reasons to seek genetic counseling. You may consider it if you :

• Have a personal or family history of a genetic condition or birth defect
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant after age 35
• Already have a child with a genetic disorder or birth defect
• Have had two or more pregnancy losses or a baby who died
• Have had ultrasound or screening tests that suggest a possible problem

National Human Genome Research Institute

Related Issues

• About Genetic Counselors National Society of Genetic Counselors
• Genetics: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
• What to Expect When Meeting with a Genetic Counselor American Society of Clinical Oncology

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Genetic Counseling National Institutes of Health

Find an Expert

• Find a Genetic Counselor National Society of Genetic Counselors
• Genetic Alliance Genetic Alliance
• March of Dimes Foundation March of Dimes Foundation
• National Human Genome Research Institute National Human Genome Research Institute

Start Here

• Frequently Asked Questions about Genetic Counseling National Human Genome Research Institute
• Genetic Counseling March of Dimes Foundation
• Genetic Counseling Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Making Sense of Your Genes: A Guide to Genetic Counseling Genetic Alliance
• Prenatal Genetic Counseling (For Parents) Nemours Foundation

Specifics

• Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

• Inside Look at Genetic Counseling

Patient Handouts

• Prenatal genetic counseling Medical Encyclopedia

Journal Articles

• Genetic Counseling

Reference Desk

• Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms National Human Genome Research Institute

Children

• What Is a Pediatric Geneticist? American Academy of Pediatrics