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Genetic Counseling
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A communication process between a specially trained health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of disease. The person's family and personal medical history may be discussed, and counseling may lead to genetic testing. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
The process whereby an expert in hereditary disorders provides information about risk and clinical burden of a disorder or disorders to patients or relatives in families with genetic disorders as an aid to making informed and responsible decisions about marriage, children, early diagnosis, and handling disability. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
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 (Genetics Home Reference)
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