Genetic counseling starts with a meeting with a genetic counselor. This genetic counselor, who has special training in genetics and counseling, will,
- Ask about medical history, such as illnesses that run in the family, miscarriages, stillborn babies or unexplained deaths.
- Look at medical records.
- Look at any testing that has been done such as ultrasounds or prenatal tests.
After the counselor gets the medical information they need, they will,
- Recommend genetic tests.
- Look at the results of the tests.
- Will explain how gene changes cause genetic illnesses.
- Talk about how likely it is that a genetic illness will be passed to a child.
- Talk about options on what to do next.