Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and for many women, a flood of questions. One question that comes up more and more in prenatal care is whether to pursue genetic counseling or testing. For some families, this information can be invaluable. For others, it may not be necessary. Understanding who benefits most can help you make an informed choice alongside your provider.
At Unified Premier Women’s Care, our obstetrics team walks with you through every step of your pregnancy including helping you navigate prenatal screening decisions.
What Is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is a conversation (and sometimes a series of conversations) with a healthcare professional who specializes in genetics. Their role is to assess your personal and family medical history, explain your risk for passing on or having a pregnancy affected by a genetic condition, and walk you through your testing options including what each test can and cannot tell you.
Genetic counseling is not the same as genetic testing, though counseling often leads to a discussion of testing. The goal is always to give you complete, accurate information so you can make the decisions that are right for your family.
Types of Prenatal Genetic Tests
There are two main categories of prenatal genetic tests:
Screening tests estimate the probability that a baby has certain chromosomal conditions, like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, or neural tube defects. These tests, which include blood tests like cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing and first-trimester screening, as well as ultrasound assessments are non-invasive and carry no risk to the pregnancy. They cannot give a definitive diagnosis, but they can identify pregnancies that warrant further evaluation.
Diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), provide a definitive chromosomal diagnosis. Because they involve collecting tissue from the amniotic fluid or placenta, they carry a small but real risk of pregnancy loss. These are typically recommended only when screening results indicate elevated risk, or when other factors make diagnostic certainty important.
Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?
While prenatal genetic counseling can be a valuable resource for any expectant mother, it’s especially recommended for women who:
- Are 35 years of age or older (advanced maternal age increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities)
- Have a personal or family history of genetic disorders, birth defects, or chromosomal conditions
- Have had a previous pregnancy affected by a genetic condition or structural abnormality
- Have had multiple pregnancy losses (recurrent miscarriage)
- Have a child with an intellectual disability, birth defect, or known genetic condition
- Are in a consanguineous relationship (related to their partner)
- Are carriers of known genetic mutations (such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, or fragile X chromosome)
- Have an ultrasound finding that raises concern for a fetal abnormality
- Are of certain ethnic backgrounds with higher carrier rates for specific genetic conditions
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What Happens During Genetic Counseling?
A genetic counseling session typically involves a thorough review of your personal and family health history, an assessment of your specific risk factors, and a detailed discussion of the testing options available to you. Your counselor will explain what each test screens for, how accurate it is, what a positive or negative result means, and what decisions might follow.
Importantly, genetic counseling is non-directive. The counselor’s job is not to tell you what to do, but to make sure you have the knowledge you need to make your own informed choice. Many couples find the process reassuring regardless of the outcome.
High-Risk Pregnancies and Specialized Care
If your pregnancy is considered high risk due to age, a prior pregnancy complication, a chronic health condition, or genetic findings: our team provides the personalized, attentive care you need. From increased monitoring to ultrasound evaluations, we work to ensure that you and your baby receive the best possible care at every stage.
We also offer childbirth classes to help you prepare for labor, delivery, and early parenthood: whatever path your pregnancy takes.
| “I love that Dr. Robbins takes her time explaining things. I never feel rushed and I feel like she truly cares about me. I live in Jasper, GA and drive over an hour to see Dr. Robbins. I recommend her to all my friends!” — Unified Premier Women’s Care Patient Testimonial |
Talk to Your Provider
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have questions about genetic counseling or prenatal testing, the best first step is a conversation with your OB/GYN. Together, you can review your personal history, discuss your risk factors, and determine whether genetic counseling or screening is right for you.
Every family is different, and every pregnancy is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — only the right answer for you.
Ready to take charge of your health? Schedule an appointment with the team at Unified Premier Women’s Care today, or call us at (770) 427-0285 to get started.