04/18/2025
Katie Douglass, our Genetic Counselor at Maternal Fetal Consultants (one of our partner clinics), explains some of the reasons your OBGYN might refer you to her.
Meeting with a genetic counselor at MFC often includes discussing your personal and family history, any potential genetic risks for a current or future pregnancy, available screening and testing options, reviewing any already received genetic results, and aiding in decision-making regarding further screening/testing that may be of use. The focus of these appointments can differ depending on your specific circumstances and questions. Here are some reasons why you may be referred to genetic counseling:
1. You desire pregnancy and have a personal and/or family history of a birth/developmental difference or genetic condition. The relevant history can be discussed and risk to a future pregnancy can be clarified.
2. You desire pregnancy and unfortunately have experienced several pregnancy losses.
3. You desire or are currently pregnant and are taking medications that may be harmful to a pregnancy.
4. You are pregnant and desire further discussion of genetic screening and testing options available to you.
5. You are pregnant and have received an abnormal genetic screening or testing result.
6. You are pregnant and baby is suspected to have a physical difference.
These appointments will focus on your goals. Some desire all testing available to them, while others may not find value in the information that would be received from the testing. Some have had a lot of genetic testing completed prior to the appointment, while others just desire more information about the options available so they can make an informed decision. The genetic counselor can also help gather answers to your specific questions, reach out to specialists on your behalf, and provide resources (written, local groups, etc) to help you feel as prepared as possible.