GENETIC COUNSELLING

Your child may inherit more than just your looks

WHAT IS GENETIC COUNSELLING?

Genetic counseling is the consultation & advice provided by a doctor about the possibility of a child being born with an inherited disease or birth defect.

Some common genetic diseases are Down’s syndrome (mongolism), thalassaemia major, haemophilia& muscular dystrophy.

 

WHO NEEDS GENETIC COUNSELLING?

Genetic counseling is recommended if you are planning to have a baby & any of the following applies to you:

• You or your spouse have a birth defect or genetic disease.
• You or your spouse have a child, parent or close relative with a birth defect, genetic disease, or mental retardation.
• You or your spouse are carrier of a genetic disease e.g. if you have the thalassaemia trait.
• You are a woman above 35 years of age.
• You are a woman who has had 3 or more miscarriages or still births.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING GENETIC COUNSELLING?

You will be given an appointment to meet the counsellor.

The counsellor needs detailed information to diagnose the problem & give you the correct advice.

• You will be asked about any pregnancies you may have had.
• You & your children may be examined for signs of the disease.
• Special tests may have to be done to help find out what is wrong.
• Your spouse may also called for examination & special tests.

Once the problem is diagnosed, the counsellor will explain:

• How the disease will affect a person & how it can be treated
• Whether the disease is inherited & if so, how it passed from parent to child
• The chances of the disease affecting the person or his/her children
• The risk to future children if one child is already affected
• If tests are available to find out whether an unborn child (in the womb) is affected.

All information exchanged during genetic counselling & the results of examinations & tests will be kept confidential.

For More Information Please Visit Ivf Specialist Clinic http://www.internationalfertilitycentre.com