Ask The Experts About Genetic Counselors
Susan asks…
How can genetic counselors predict chances of disorder? Why would a couple want this done?
admin answers:
Genetic counselors look at not just your family history, but also your age (the chance of chromosome conditions increases with a mother’s age), your blood test results (OB’s will often test their patients to see if they’re carriers for conditions like sickle cell or cystic fibrosis or to see if they’re at a higher risk for conditions like Down syndrome), your pregnancy history (ie, exposure to certain infections or medications may increase the risk for certain birth defects), and any abnormal ultrasound findings that may increase the risk for a genetic or chromosomal disorder. This can help couples learn about any possible testing options they may want to consider, as well as what the risks, benefits, and limitations or those testing options are. Like the other poster stated, finding out this information before a pregnancy may help couples consider whether they want to still try to get pregnant naturally, consider in vitro fertilization with genetic testing of the embryos if they’re at a high risk for a particular genetic disorder, consider using egg or sperm donors, consider adoption, or choose not to have children.
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Factoring in genetic counseling
Couples thinking of having a baby want to do everything they can to make sure they have a healthy child, and that could include something like seeing a genetic counselor to talk about possible health risks. Genetic counseling can help patients who have a family history of a certain genetic disease. Couples can then choose to have additional screening and testing done to see what the risk is of passing that condition on to their child.
What causes congenital birth defects? Genetic counselor Amy E. Knight-Johnson, MS, of the Rush Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Center in Chicago, explains.
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Genetic Counselor Job Opportunities – Hound.Com
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If you have a known or suspected family history of birth defects or are over the age of 35 and are thinking about getting pregnant, it’s time to see a genetic counselor. To learn all about what a genetic counselor does visit www.ThePregnancyShow.com
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Structural Defects or Birth Defects Information
A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother’s body. Birth defects are defined as abnormalities of structure, work or body metabolism that are present at birth. These abnormalities lead to mental or physical disabilities or are fatal. Birth defects affect about one in every 33 babies born in the United States each year. About 150,000 babies are born with birth defects each year in the United States.They are the leading cause of infant deaths, accounting for more than 20% of all infant deaths. Babies born with birth defects have a greater chance of illness and long term disability than babies without birth defects. Birth defects can be caused by genetic, environmental, or unknown factors. Other causes of birth defects include alcohol abuse by the mother and Rh disease
Which can occur when the mother’s and baby’s Rh factors are different. Although a few medications can cause problems, of the 200 most commonly prescribed drugs, none is associated with a significant risk of birth defects. Environmental causes of birth defects have more to do with the mother’s health and exposure to chemicals or diseases. When a mother has certain infections, such as rubella, during pregnancy, it can cause birth defects. Multifactorial birth defects are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and include neural tube defects and cleft lip and palate. Genetics play a role in some birth defects. Every cell in the body has chromosomes containing genes that determine a person’s unique characteristics.
Treatment of congenital anomalies is specific for each individual. Individuals with severe or numerous abnormalities usually require multidisciplinary treatment. Babies with birth defects may need surgery or other medical treatments. Prenatal surgery has saved babies with urinary tract blockages and rare tumors of the lung. Other prevention is not smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke , Avoiding alcohol ,Eating a healthy diet and taking prenatal vitamins (make sure you’re getting enough folic acid) , Avoiding all illicit drugs , getting exercise and plenty of rest and getting early and regular prenatal care. Couples who have had a baby with a birth defect, or who have a family history of birth defects, should consider consulting a genetic counselor. Rroutine obstetrical care also helpful.
Not smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke.
1. Avoiding alcohol.
2. Avoiding all illicit drugs.
3. Eating a healthy diet and taking prenatal vitamins.
4. Getting exercise and plenty of rest.
5. Getting early and regular prenatal care.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Diseases. She also writes articles for Makeup and Hairstyles.
Genetic Counselor
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Welcome to Genetic Counselor. Genetic Counselor provides genetic counselor articles, videos, and conversations in an easily accessible website.
A genetic counselor is a genetics specialist who most often has acquired a master of science degree. In the United States, genetic counselors are certified by an organization – the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Entrance into this organization is very stringent.
Most genetic counselors have backgrounds in biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. Genetic counselors are expert educators, skilled in translating the complex language of genomic medicine into terms that are easy to understand by the layperson.
Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team and act as a patient advocate as well as a genetic resource to physicians. They provide helpful information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders, or are at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.
Thank you for visiting and supporting Genetic Counselor. Also, please check out the two new sections we have recently added to genetic counselor – “Ask the Experts”, as well as the fast paced z “Blogette”. 
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