Reproductive Genetic Counseling Program
Our Reproductive Genetic Counseling Program consists of an expert team of doctors and genetic counselors. We work closely with obstetrician-gynecologists, perinatologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and other specialists who manage the health and well-being of pregnant women, their fetuses or women attempting to become pregnant.
Genetic counseling typically begins with a review of an individual or couple's pregnancy, medical, family histories, and relevant medical records, including previous genetic testing. Based on the information provided, we can evaluate an individual's/couple's risk to have a baby with a birth defect or genetic disorder. We also explain the benefits, limitations, and risks of available diagnostic procedures and appropriate blood-work and/or prenatal testing is offered.
Common reasons for referral to a reproductive genetic counselor include:
- Advanced maternal or paternal age
- Abnormal nuchal translucency measurement and/or maternal serum marker screening results
- Abnormal ultrasound finding
- Multi-fetal pregnancy (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.)
- Personal or family history of a known or suspected genetic disorder
- Personal or family history of a structural birth defect and/or mental retardation
- Teratogen counseling (concern about exposure to medication, X-ray, alcohol, drugs, or environmental agents during pregnancy)
- Interest in pursuing routine carrier testing for common genetic disorders (such as cystic fibrosis, Tay Sachs, Fragile X, spinal muscular atrophy, etc.)
- Interpretation of positive carrier testing results
- A pregnancy is known to be at risk for a specific genetic disorder and targeted prenatal testing for this condition is desired
Insurance Information
Our department accepts most major insurance plans. Whenever possible, counseling and testing is coordinated through the patients' insurance plans.