Genetic Counseling

Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source

MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.

Genetic counseling provides information and support to people who have, or may be at risk for, genetic disorders. A genetic counselor meets with you to discuss genetic risks. The counseling may be for yourself or a family member. Or you may get it when you are planning or expecting a baby. You may follow up with genetic testing.

There are many reasons to seek genetic counseling. You may consider it if you :

Have a personal or family history of a genetic condition or birth defect
Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant after age 35
Already have a child with a genetic disorder or birth defect
Have had two or more pregnancy losses or a baby who died
Have had ultrasound or screening tests that suggest a possible problem

Questions for your care team

General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.

How does this information apply to my situation?
Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.

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