What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of determining the risk you haveof passing on an inheritable disease to your baby. Genetic counselinginvolves a specially trained health care professional who identifiesfamilies at risk, investigates the problem present in the family,interprets information about the disorder, analyzes inheritance patternsand risks of recurrence, and reviews available options with the family.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),approximately 3% of babies born in the United States will have a birthdefect. Genetic counseling is not necessary for the majority of coupleswho are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant.

Genetic counselingshould be considered by couples who have one or more of the followingrisk factors:

The following represents some of the ethnic groups which have a greaterchance for certain genetic defects:

When you are working with a genetic counselor, there are a numberof things you should expect. You should start with your blood relativeson both sides to begin creating a comprehensive background on specificdiseases and why they occurred. This is probably the most importantpiece of evaluating genetic risks.

To help facilitate this evaluation, your health care provider willprobably ask some of the following questions:

A gene is a segment of DNA that is coded to pass along a certaintrait; it has a specific task (i.e., determining the color of youreyes). Genes are the simplest building blocks of heredity. They aregrouped together in specific patterns within a persons chromosomes,forming the unique blueprint for every physical and biologicalcharacteristic of that person.

Chromosomes are made up of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules.Humans have 46 chromosomes arranged in pairs in every living cellof our bodies. When the egg and sperm join at conception, half ofeach chromosomal pair is inherited from each parent.

Genetic disorders may be caused by of a variety of factors. Geneticdisorders may be caused by chromosomal abnormalities. Disorders mayalso be caused by a single gene.

Follow this link:

Genetic Counseling - American Pregnancy Association

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