Prenatal and Reproductive Genetic Counseling at The Christ Hospital
The Christ Hospital offers genetic counseling for people who are pregnant or considering pregnancy or reproductive options and may be at high risk of having a baby with a birth defect or genetic condition. This type of counseling can help you understand your genetic risks and make decisions that are in line with your values and beliefs. The genetic counselor will talk to you about the option of having genetic testing and help develop a plan for the rest of your pregnancy.
You do not need a physician referral for genetic counseling or testing.
Is Prenatal and Reproductive Genetic Counseling right for me?
Prenatal and reproductive genetic counseling may be helpful for people who are planning a pregnancy, are currently pregnant, or are considering reproductive options and meet one or more of the criteria below:
Are 35 and older
Have a family history of a genetic condition or birth defect
Have a child with a genetic condition or birth defect
Are a carrier of a genetic condition
Have a partner who is a carrier of a genetic condition
Are interested in learning if you or your partner carry a genetic condition
Have a history of 2 or more pregnancy losses or a history of infertility
Received abnormal results from prenatal screening tests, including ultrasound, bloodwork or a genetic screening ordered by your provider
Are considering genetic testing of embryos before they are implanted in the uterus (Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT))
Have concerns about a genetic condition based on your ethnicity
Have concerns about environmental or medication exposures during pregnancy
Share a common ancestor with your partner
Have questions prior to prenatal genetic screening or testing
What happens at the genetic counseling appointment?
Prenatal and reproductive genetic counseling take place in the medical office building at The Christ Hospital. You will meet with a board-certified genetic counselor who has advanced training in genetics. The counselor will talk to you about:
Your personal health and pregnancy history
Your family health history
Any risks to your current or future pregnancy, based on your medical history, family history and/or test results obtained during a pregnancy
Results of relevant tests performed during your pregnancy
Screening and diagnostic testing options and the benefits or risks of having these tests
The counselor will talk to you about the option of genetic testing. This conversation may include topics such as:
Which tests can provide information about genetic risks to your baby (screening tests) or provide a diagnosis for your baby during pregnancy (diagnostic tests)
The testing process
The limitations and accuracy of genetic tests
How test results may affect you emotionally, psychologically and socially
Before your first appointment, we encourage you to collect as much information as you can about your family health history. The counselor will ask you about first-degree relatives (parents, children and siblings) and second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts and uncles). Be sure to take note of any known diagnoses and how old the relative was when diagnosed.
What does genetic testing involve?
During your genetic counseling appointment, the counselor will talk to you about whether genetic testing is right for you. Genetic testing involves obtaining a blood, saliva or tissue sample.
Genetic testing can include:
Carrier screening, which can tell you whether you or your partner carry certain genetic disorders
Screenings in the first and second trimester of pregnancy to determine the risk for specific genetic conditions in an unborn baby
Non-invasive prenatal testing, which uses a simple blood draw to determine the risk for specific genetic conditions in an unborn baby
Diagnostic tests that may confirm whether your child has a specific genetic condition
The genetic counselor will contact you by phone or MyChart (depending on your preference) to discuss the results and what they mean.
Are genetic counseling and testing covered by insurance?
Your insurance may cover genetic counseling and/or genetic testing. Be sure to contact your insurance carrier about your specific coverage.
For more information or to make an appointment
For more information about genetic counseling at The Christ Hospital or to schedule an appointment, call 513-585-3275. Or you may schedule your appointment online by selecting one of the options below:
I have not been seen by one of the genetic counselors before and need to schedule a new patient visit.
I have been seen by one of the genetic counselors before and need to schedule a follow-up visit.