Genetic counseling

Just curious, what exactly is it?

I'm a little clueless...what is the difference between testing and counseling or is there one?

Re: Genetic counseling

When you see the genetic counselor they will go over your medical and familial history, go over any risk factors you and DH may have and make suggestions on what you should be screened for. Good luck!

Re: Genetic counseling

Basically, like PP said they go over your and your DH's medical history and your close family's too.

They take into account your age, history of miscarriage, country of origine, etnicity, if you are Jewish, if you are siblings, cousins, nieces with birth defects, mom with history of miscarriage, etc..

In essence they are looking for what "risk" group you fall under if you do so.

For example, at my age, my risk for down symdrome/chromosone issues is 1/94.

They will tell you what tests are available and at what stage of your pregnancy. Some you can do PRIOR to even be PG.

Re: Genetic counseling

Thanks...i'm still waiting for them to call back from a few days ago. There are a few tests I specifically asked about because of my mother which are basically related to ethnicity. The woman i spoke to said they were doing all the research to find out where I could go to get tested (since i mentioned my mothers been bugging me for years).

Just curious though, any idea what difference this would be than the ethnic tests the RE already ran? I guess thats mostly why i'm confused.