There are a number of reasons you may be choosing to see a genetic counselor. Sometimes it’s before pregnancy, to discuss risk factors, family history, and yours or your partner’s risk for carrying a genetic disorder. In other cases, you may be referred if you’ve received an abnormal result on a prenatal DNA test. No matter the reason, it’s normal to feel apprehensive or worried—which can make it hard to think and communicate clearly with your counselor. It’s common to walk away and realize that you forgot to ask an important question.
To help you get the most from your appointment, it’s a good idea to prepare by writing down any questions you would like to have answered before leaving for your appointment. Review your list often during the appointment, and make sure each one is answered clearly. If you don’t understand what the genetic counselor is explaining, say so. If possible, take along your partner, a friend, or family member who can listen along with you. You may even consider taking notes or recording the visit if your counselor says it’s okay.
Here are some questions you may want to include in your visit.
Before you get pregnant, you might ask:
- Does (name a disease) run in my family?
- If a family member has a genetic disease could I get it?
- What kind of genetic testing is available?
- When will I have those results and who will explain them to me?
- What are the benefits and limitations of genetic testing?
- What does genetic testing cost and how can I pay for it?
- What kind of information will genetic testing give me?
- How can knowing more about my genetic risk help me?
- What are the chances that I’ll pass a genetic disorder on to my child?
If you’re already pregnant, you may want to ask:
- How does a genetic disorder develop?
- I have an abnormal prenatal test result. What does this mean?
- What additional testing should I expect next?
- How accurate are the test results?
- Can you help me better understand my results?
- What type of problems could my child have from (specific disease)?
- What resources are available to help me learn more about (specific disease) or to be tested for it?
Genetic counselors are specially trained medical professionals who focus on genetics and counseling to help parents-to-be work through the emotions that come with genetic disorders in a neutral, unbiased way. Your counselor will focus on giving you information that you can consider on your own, as well as discuss with other members of your medical team (like your obstetrician) to help you make informed medical decisions.
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