Genetic Counselling
What is Genetic Counselling?
Genetic Counselling is usually recommended for pregnant women with a family or medical history of genetic issues to look for an occurrence or recurrence of the same. It helps to understand the natural history and inheritance pattern after which further testing, management and research can be done as required. Counselling helps the parents-to-be to understand the risks involved, and prepare mentally, physically and emotionally. It also provides support to help the family make necessary adjustments and also understand a possible recurrence.
Pre-requisites
The parents should bring all previous test records if any. After the session, the doctor may prescribe further tests or consultation, if needed.
Indication
For parents of a child with genetical abnormality, considering another pregnancy
Those with a high-risk pregnancy or a history of multiple abortions
When the mother has given birth to a stillborn
When the mother is > 35 years of age
When the fetus has some abnormalities in the scan or tests
When the mother has consumed any medicine during pregnancy that could cause a genetic abnormality in the fetus
Those with a familial or medical history of genetic issues