Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is guidance given by a health professional
(genetic counselor or medical geneticist) who is trained to help people
understand their risk of getting a disease related to genetics or of having a
child with an inherited (genetic) disease, such as sickle cell disease, cystic
fibrosis, or hemophilia.
Genetic counseling may involve:
- Teaching a parent or couple about how a
specific disease is inherited or passed from parents to a
child.
- Discussing what problems a genetic disease may
cause.
- Discussing whether and how to test for a genetic disease
before a woman becomes pregnant or before a child is
born.
- Discussing the likelihood, based on test results, that the
couple will have a child with a genetic disease.
- Helping a person adapt to the risk of developing a genetic
disease such as Huntington's disease. Genetic counselors also can help a person
deal with having a disease related to genetics.
- Helping
individuals, couples, or families make decisions about genetic testing and any
related actions that are right for them.
Credits