gynecology and obstetrics
Prenatal Genetic Counseling
Introduction
Prenatal genetic counseling is provided for all prospective parents, ideally before conception, to assess risk factors for genetic disorders. In addition, prenatal counseling provides information to potential parents about precautions they can take to help prevent other causes of birth defects (eg, avoiding Exposure to Teratogens , taking ) for many common issues that may be related to genetic abnormalities, such as advanced maternal age, recurrent spontaneous abortions, previous children with neural tube defects, and previous children with trisomy (see Risk Factors for Complications During Pregnancy ). Many potential parents (eg, those with known or suspected risk factors) benefit from referral to genetic specialists for presentation of information and testing options. Parents with risk factors for genetic abnormalities are advised about possible outcomes and options for Preconception or Prenatal Carrier Testing of Parents . If testing identifies a disorder, reproductive options are discussed. Preconceptionreproductive options for patients with genetic disorders include Donor sperm if the man is a carrier Donor oocytes if the woman is a carrier In vitro fertilization (IVF) (IVF) with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) None Postconceptionreproductive options include Noninvasive Prenatal Fetal Screening Tests for congenital anomalies Induced Abortion if a genetic disorder is present Transfer care to tertiary center for delivery with more extensive neonatal services (See also Overview of Genetics .) 