Genetic counselors are certified healthcare providers who help families understand and use information regarding genetic conditions. Conversations are personalized for each patient based on their specific goals and questions, their family history, and the risks, benefits, and limitations of different genetic screens and tests. Genetic counselors also assist families with a genetic diagnosis connect with the appropriate providers for both medical care and social support.
Greater Washington Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics is proud to partner with our patients to provide prenatal genetic counseling for a more comprehensive maternal fetal medicine care experience.
Why see one of our prenatal genetic counselors?
Genetic screening and testing options are constantly updating and expanding – it can be overwhelming to consider all the options available for your current/future pregnancy. Your genetic counselor can help you consider which types of genetic information would be beneficial for you and your family.
Personal or family history of a genetic condition or birth defect – certain genetic conditions, birth defects, or other diagnoses in the family may increase the risk for a current or future pregnancy to have the same or a similar condition.
An ultrasound noted a potential concern – some growth differences and ultrasound abnormalities are associated with different genetic conditions. Discussing if an ultrasound concern may be part of a genetic condition can help you decide if you want to proceed with invasive diagnostic testing.
Anyone undergoing invasive diagnostic prenatal genetic testing from CVS or amniocentesis has options for which laboratory tests are performed – discussing those options and potential results is an important step in choosing whether to proceed with an invasive procedure.
Recurrent miscarriage – multiple miscarriages may indicate one member of the couple has a difference in the structure of their genetic information which means they are more likely to conceive pregnancies with missing or extra genetic information.
Advanced maternal age – pregnant individuals who are 35 years old or older at their due date are at increased risk for sporadic chromosomal genetic conditions. There are different ways to estimate the risk for each pregnancy and invasive diagnostic testing is also available through CVS or amniocentesis.
Cancer is a serious disease that can have a profound impact on a pregnant individual and their developing baby. Cancer treatment during an ongoing pregnancy is available in many, but not all, cases. It’s important to work with a team of healthcare providers who are experienced in caring for pregnant individuals with cancer. These providers can help you understand the risks and benefits of various treatment options and make the best decisions for you and your pregnancy.
There’s No Shame in Seeking Care for Pregnancy After or During Known Substance Exposure
Expectant and new parents have a lot on their plates: managing all of the changes in their bodies as their new babies grow, handling all of the surprises that pregnancy sometimes brings, becoming physically and emotionally ready for the birth as well as caring for a newborn and herself after giving birth. Sometimes parents-to-be also have other challenges to face that are not frequently discussed or addressed like substance use during or after pregnancy. But expectant parents need to hear that there is no shame in seeking care for pregnancy after or during known substance exposure. Continue reading →
My Pregnancy Received a Genetic Diagnosis, Now What?
*TRIGGER WARNING: This article discusses terminating pregnancy as a personal choice and does NOT include medical details or termination clinic information.
One of the most exciting details parents-to-be want to know is when their new addition will arrive. Due dates are, by their very nature, fluid. But when an expectant mother is given an estimated due date (EDD), it can be difficult to understand why the gestational age reflects a new or different due date. So what is the difference between the two and why are two sometimes different due dates are given to expecting parents? Let’s look at how the EDD and the gestational age are determined and what they mean for soon-to-be parents.
Update on Our Notice to Patients and Visitors Regarding Covid 19 and Flu Protocol: We will now permit one person other than the patient to enter our waiting room. This will apply to a child age 10 or older. If you have had any feverish or flu-like symptoms in the last 48 hours, please contact our office BEFORE your appointment to reschedule. The CDC recommends that individuals should be fever-free for at least 48 hours to avoid contagious exposure to others. We apologize for the inconvenience. This protocol is intended to protect all of our patients, unborn babies, and staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.