Planning a family is a deeply personal and significant journey; filled with hopes, dreams, and important decisions. Among these decisions, understanding the genetic health of both parents and potential children can be impactful. This is where genetic counseling comes into play. It’s a service that can offer valuable insights, helping families make informed choices that align with their values and beliefs.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is a process where individuals or families receive guidance from trained professionals about their genetic health. Genetic counselors are experts in medical genetics and counseling, equipped to interpret genetic test results, assess risks, and provide support and information tailored to each family's unique needs.
Why is Genetic Counseling Important in Family Planning?
Risk Assessment: Genetic counselors evaluate family histories and genetic test results to assess the risk of inherited conditions. This information can help prospective parents understand the likelihood of passing on health traits and conditions to their children. It is not unusual to have health conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or cancer running in your family. However, a genetic counselor can help you understand how likely it is for that condition to occur in you or your children.
Informed Decision-Making: Making decisions that make sense for you and that align with your values and beliefs is everything. Working with a genetic counselor who can help you make sense of your options and guide you to the next steps that are uniquely right for you can make all the difference as you start your pregnancy journey. Sometimes this means being an advocate for declining certain test options that might otherwise be routinely offered.
Personalized Health Management: Genetic counseling can help identify specific health risks, allowing families to take proactive measures to identify these risks. If for example an increased risk for a particular condition is identified in advance, a genetic counselor can help you understand your options such as preimplantation genetic testing or testing in early pregnancy as well as provide you with support and details on having a child with that particular condition.
Psychological Support: The process of genetic testing and understanding potential risks can be emotionally challenging. Genetic counselors provide support, helping families cope with the stress and implications of genetic information. Genetic counselors also take the time to explore whether or not testing is something that would be meaningful for you.
Key Areas Where Genetic Counseling Plays a Role
Preconception Counseling: Couples considering starting a family can benefit from genetic counseling even before conception.
Prenatal Counseling: Once pregnant, genetic counseling can guide expectant parents through options like prenatal screening and diagnostic tests, such as cell free fetal DNA testing (also known as NIPT), amniocentesis (amnio), or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These tests can provide early insights into the genetic health of a fetus.
Family History Evaluation: Families with a known history of genetic disorders can receive tailored advice on their specific risks and the steps they can take. This can include discussing the chances of recurrence in future pregnancies and the availability of genetic testing for family members.
Selection of Gamete Donors: Choosing a gamete donor can be stressful. A genetic counselor can help by evaluating family history and genetic testing reports to guide you to a donor that's the best fit for you.
Real-Life Impact of Genetic Counseling
Consider the story of Jill and Jack (*not actual names!), a couple who sought genetic counseling before starting their family.
Through their sessions, they discovered that they could advocate for testing (carrier screening) earlier than what their doctor's had originally told them (first OB visit).
They found out that both of them were carriers for the same condition. We extensively reviewed information about the specific condition and their options such as testing embryos via IVF (a process called preimplantation genetics or PGT-M), testing in early pregnancy (CVS or amniocentesis), or the option of no further testing. The couple knew that nothing would change the outcome of their future pregnancy, but decided that they would want to test in early pregnancy so that they could know for certain if their child would be affected with the condition. For them, this would allow them to get in the right mental space, get connected with providers and support groups, and prepare for a child that may need additional support at birth or the newborn period.
How to Access & Get the Most out of Genetic Counseling
If you’re considering genetic counseling, here are a few steps to get started:
Connect with us at FiND Genetics: If you're looking to work with someone who provides an option for remote telehealth genetic counseling- we'd love to work with you. www.findgenetics.com
Research Accredited Counselors: If you're looking for someone in person, or if we aren't licensed in your state, you can search for certified genetic counselors through organizations like the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). www.nsgc.org
Prepare for Your Session: Before your session, it's helpful to gather any relevant family medical history and be ready to discuss your concerns and goals. This will help the genetic counselor provide the most accurate and personalized advice.
Genetic counseling can be an empowering part of family planning; offering essential insights that can help families navigate the complexities of genetic health. By understanding and managing genetic risks, families can make informed, confident decisions about their reproductive futures.
If you’re planning a family, consider the benefits of genetic counseling to help ensure an informed journey ahead.