Understanding genetic counseling

If you’re expecting a baby or planning a pregnancy, you might have heard about genetic counseling. But what exactly is it? Think of genetic counseling as information about how genetics might affect your baby’s and family’s health. It’s like having a chat with an expert who can explain your genetic health in a way that’s easy to understand.

Genetic counseling is key to helping you make informed decisions about your pregnancy. Here are a few reasons why it matters:

  1. Peace of Mind: Knowing more about your genetic makeup can help you feel more confident and prepared.
  2. Early Detection: It can identify potential health issues early on, giving you more time for managing them.
  3. Personalized Care: You get information tailored to your specific situation, which can be reassuring.

Where does genetic screening come in?

Genetic screening is an important part of reproductive health counseling and includes tests that can assess the chances for certain conditions before your baby is born. Two key types of genetic screening are carrier screening and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening.

Carrier screening is a test that checks if you or your partner carry genes for certain inheritable genetic disorders. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you could still be a carrier. If both parents are carriers of the same genetic disorder, there’s a chance it could be passed on to the baby. Knowing this ahead of time can help you prepare and make informed choices. You can take this test before you get pregnant or during pregnancy.

CfDNA screening is another important test. This one looks at small pieces of your baby’s DNA that are floating around in your blood. It can help assess the chances for certain chromosome conditions, like Down syndrome, in your pregnancy. The best part? It’s non-invasive, meaning all that is required is a blood draw which is safe for both you and your baby, and you can take it as early as eight weeks into your pregnancy.

Why you should consider genetic counseling

So, why should you consider genetic counseling? Here are a few reasons:

  • Informed Decisions: It helps you understand your options and make choices that are best for you and your family.
  • Support and Resources: Genetic counselors can provide medical support and connect you with resources and support groups.
  • Healthier Outcomes: Early detection and intervention can lead to better health outcomes for both you and your baby.

Genetic counseling is like having a knowledgeable friend by your side during your pregnancy journey. It provides valuable information and support, helping you navigate this exciting time with confidence. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, consider talking to a genetic counselor to learn more about your options and ensure the best possible start for your baby.

Want to know more? Call Myriad Genetics’ board-certified genetic counselors to get your clinical testing questions answered by a clinical expert: 833-511-3995.

Reviewed by Ronit Lebor

Ronit Lebor is a board-certified genetic counselor in Philadelphia, PA. She has expertise in reproductive genetic screening and hereditary cancer genetics. Currently, Ronit is a Medical Science Liaison at Myriad Genetics, and has been with the company since 2018.

Need help talking to your doctor about getting screened?

Learn about the screening process and how to talk to your doctor.

How to get screened