Genetic counseling??

Has anyone had to do this prior to their Level 2 u/s? What happens? Is it optional?

Re: Genetic counseling??

I had it done years ago before we even conceived with #1. My doctor recommends it. If I remember correctly it was blood work, about 4 or 5 viles taken for each of us. They ask you a family history. You have to really know your family well. Within a couple of weeks they send you the results and give you your risk.

Re: Genetic counseling??

I had it done when testing for cancer, however it's the same procedure. It's totally optional and you need to make sure your insurance covers it first. If your doctor is recommending the testing due to family history/age or whatever than the insurance company should cover it. As far as what happens. It's a series of paperwork, counseling (discussing the steps during the process and blood work, then going over the results again with the genetic researcher.

Re: Genetic counseling??

We went and they took a detailed personal and family history on both sides to see if there is an increased risk of certain genetic abnormalities. They draw it all out on paper and give you the stats.

Re: Genetic counseling??

We did it when I was 10-11 weeks PG. I hated the person but found the info interesting. What tests were available, etc...

Re: Genetic counseling??

I didn't have it prior to the 12 week sono.

And at the 12 week sono I waived the option to have it with the test results.

My midwife went over the results with me and everything looked great. She said there was no reason to go through the genetic counseling.

Re: Genetic counseling??

We had it when we went in for the results of our ultrascreen.
They just go through your family history to help determine the odds of having a problem.

Re: Genetic counseling??

I did it right after my ultrascreen

They go over your family history with you. The counselor drew a family tree as I told her about each member of my family, etc. Based on family history and our ethnic backgrounds, it was decided that I did not need to have any gentic testing done. They recommended Cystic Fibrosis (which I already had sone) and Fragile X Syndrome testing (which I will have in my bloodwork on Feb 16th)

Re: Genetic counseling??

I had it done after my chemical pregnancy in August (preceded by 2 back to back miscarriages). She took a very thorough family history, 5 vials of blood from each of us. Wasnt bad at all.

Happy to say all tests were negative

Re: Genetic counseling??

We went for genetic counseling after our ultrascreen results came back not the greatest. The counselor did the family tree thing with us and discussed the ultrascreen results with us and the pros and cons of an amnio.

Re: Genetic counseling??

i had 3 off these apts... it was recommended by the doctor. basically it's just an interview and all they do is ask you questions about your family history and tell you what DNA tests, and other tests you can take if you need to.
they can't really tell you anything for sure because it's all based on "odds."

Re: Genetic counseling??

Re: Genetic counseling??

yes, I did. they did a complete family history of both partners and then made recommendations accordingly. for me, they gave the options for the various downs syndrome test and strongly recommended the fetal echo.