Genetic counseling

[Bebica]

I have never had this before,because I was in my 20's and early 30's when pregnant.Now I am over 40 and they gave me appt to see genetic counselor.
Also,maybe because of my troubled pregnancy 10 yrs ago...But anyhow-if anyone here had that,could you please let me know what is this all about,I mean what do they do at that appointment? Is it just talking or some tests too?

 

[padbrat]

Hiya. I have been under the care of geneticsts for years now. They will usually want some blood from you and maybe your OH to maybe do some genetic tests. They will be able to map your genes and explain any genetic risks or possibilities.

I find it reassuring to have the information and care from the genetics team, the counsellor is normally a qualified genetist who specialising is counselling so will be able to tell you in normal words what is going on, if anything.

They are also good at sneaking you in for scans lol!

 

[seoj]

For mine (at 12wks) we were told we would get blood work done and have an ultrasound to measure the babies neck area, then we'll sit and talk with our OB after that. We should have the results in about a week.

I guess they put your age, babies measurements and blood work results into a computer and it spits out whether all is normal or if there is any risk. If so, it would say how high the risk would be... like 1 in 200 etc... but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong. Those tests can be wrong. Which is SO comforting! LOL. We decided to go the less evasive route at first... the next step, if needed/wanted would be an amniocentesis. NOT FUN! I'm very hopeful it won't come to that... but if so, then we may just skip it unless the risk is super high.

I'm sure it varies by clinic- as does everything, but this should be similar at least. We were also told we didn't HAVE to have it done. But decided we wanted that peace of mind

 

[Bebica]

Yes.I will think about amnio too because of the risks- because if it comes to genetics,nobody in either family ever had anything wrong with their kids...so if it is genes-it shouldn't be bad-i hope.