Genetic counseling provides information about genetic diseases, birth defects, inherited disorders, and how they can be passed from parent to child.
For people who have a family history of a certain disorder, genetic counseling can help to explain their risk for having a baby with the same condition.
Genetic counseling also explains how a condition may affect a child. Some genetic diseases or birth defects can be found before a baby is born. Others are not diagnosed until after birth, or until the child grows older.
Whenever the condition is found, a geneticist can provide information and support and can help locate community resources and services for the child and family.
Family history of genetic disorder and/or birth defect (such as cystic fibrosis)
Patients who have an abnormal result from prenatal testing can be enrolled in the Fetal Diagnosis & Treatment Center (FDTC). The FDTC coordinates the efforts of various specialties, including genetics, ultrasound, high-risk pregnancy management, pediatric surgery, pediatric urology, and pediatric neurosurgery to evaluate pregnancies identified with birth defects.
Referral recommendations for skilled care and management of complicated conditions are made through this team approach. This continuum of care extends from the time of diagnosis to delivery and into the newborn period.
The following procedures may be offered at FDTC: