A special area of healthcare called genetic counseling offers personalized help and direction to people and families afflicted by congenital abnormalities. A one-on-one consultation with a genetic counselor, a qualified healthcare practitioner with knowledge of genetics, is a necessary step in this process. To determine your risk for genetic diseases, this practitioner will analyze your medical history and your family’s and do all the tests required during a session. They will also help you understand the advantages and restrictions of genetic testing, as well as the possible emotional effects of the results.
If you are in need of such a service, you’ve come to the right place. At University Park OBGYN, we have an experienced team of genetic counselors who specialize in helping expecting families go through those challenging times. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a parent, are already pregnant, or just want to learn more about your hereditary risks, our obstetrician in Sarasota, FL, is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Keep reading to discover the advantages of prenatal genetic counseling and how it can change both your and your child’s lives.
What Is Genetic Counseling?
As you may know, this area of expertise guides families through all the risks and complications that may occur in the future. Unlike genetic testing, this process involves a more focused approach with a genetic counselor who is competent in both genetics and consultation, as opposed to genetic testing, which merely offers information on your genes and DNA.
This process aims to help individuals comprehend what happens in their bodies and the advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing. This is especially beneficial for those who are becoming parents for the first time, as it offers a unique and new experience. Genetic counselors go through intensive training and studies to help all the families in need of such a service. In order to determine the risk for genetic diseases, they will analyze your medical and family history and see if there is a need for specific tests during the discussion. You can also expect the support you need through this process since it can be emotionally challenging. It is understandable to have anxiety about your health.
Why Is It Important?
It may be hard to understand the importance of genetic counseling, especially if you are not familiar with the concept. Yet, it may be quite beneficial for enhancing both your health and the health of your family members. One of the main benefits of this procedure is finding out which diseases and hereditary conditions may affect you, your family members, or your future children. Genetic counseling can detect these risks since some genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, are more common in particular ethnic or racial groups. By being aware of your hereditary risks, you can control your health by leading a better lifestyle, getting the treatment you need, and getting screening tests.
In addition, genetic counseling can assist you in developing a positive rapport with a medical professional who is sensitive to your particular needs and worries. Genetic counselors are educated to offer kind, nonjudgmental treatment that gives you the confidence to take control.
Genetic Testing and Results
A genetic counselor takes a DNA sample during the testing procedure, either from blood or saliva. The specimen is then sent to a lab and analyzed to check for specific genetic markers or variants. This powerful tool can tell you much about your ancestry and family members, help uncover genetic disorders, and provide important details about a person’s health and possible risks.
Depending on the exact disorder being tested for, the person’s medical history, and their family history, there are many forms of genetic testing available. For instance, diagnostic testing can be used to confirm or rule out a suspected genetic illness. At the same time, other screening tests can find out if a genetic variant is present, with a possibility to be passed on to their child.
Remember that the results of such testing can be complex and hard to understand or process. Therefore, a healthcare provider must be cautious when interpreting the findings. Sometimes, they can point to a higher risk of contracting a specific illness or passing it on to future generations. In other instances, the outcomes may give assurance that a person is not more at risk or does not have a specific mutation in their genes.
Difference Between Genetic Counseling and Prenatal Genetic Counseling
In general, these two types of counseling are closely connected. They are different areas of healthcare that have some fundamental similarities but also some differences.
Genetic counseling is a broad area of expertise that offers direction to people and families who are afflicted by genetic diseases. Medical specialists with training in genetics and counseling, known as genetic counselors, assist patients in understanding the significance of their genetic makeup and the possible hazards and advantages of genetic testing. Identifying risks, choosing tests wisely, and managing the physical and psychological effects are just a few of the many uses for hereditary counseling.
On the other hand, prenatal genetic counseling is a specialized form of consultation, and it focuses on the genetic dangers of pregnancy. Pregnant women or couples who are more likely to have a child with a genetic problem due to their medical history, their family history, or other circumstances are often recommended to schedule a meeting with such a specialist. Prenatal genetic counseling can educate individuals and couples about their genetic disease risks as well as their testing and treatment options.
One of the key differences between the two is the focus of the session. The first type can be offered anytime (before or after the genetic disease is discovered), while the second is typically recommended during pregnancy.
Pregnancy genetic testing is primarily concentrated on concerns relating to pregnancy and reproduction, although it can include a wide variety of matters connected to genetics and health. In addition, it can also be offered in special cases, for example, if a woman is over 35 years of age or when there is a known hereditary condition.
To uncover hereditary problems in the growing fetus, pregnancy genetic testing helps a lot. It comes in various forms, including diagnostic testing and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). To do the first one, your doctor will take a sample of fetal cells by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and evaluate them in a lab. On the other hand, NIPT is a blood test that may screen for specific genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.
The Bottom Line
Overall, genetic testing can be an effective tool for identifying genetic risks and managing healthcare. Still, it is crucial to understand the testing process, the potential implications of the results, and the role of genetic counseling in the process. To better comprehend all of these, we encourage you to find a genetic counselor you can trust and discuss all your concerns and wishes.
