Genetic Counseling: MedlinePlus

Genetic Counseling: MedlinePlus

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

• Genetic counseling

Related Health Topics

• Birth Defects
• Family History
• Genetic Disorders
• Genetic Testing
• Prenatal Testing

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Genetic Counseling is the National Human Genome Research Institute

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

• Inside Look at Genetic Counseling
• Using the Genetics Home Reference Website

Disclaimers

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Summary

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

Genetics Home Reference

Start Here

• Frequently Asked Questions about Genetic Counseling (National Human Genome Research Institute)
• Genetic Counseling (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Genetic Counseling (March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation)Also in Spanish
• Making Sense of Your Genes: A Guide to Genetic Counseling (Genetic Alliance) - PDF
• Prenatal Genetic Counseling (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)Also in Spanish

Related Issues

• About Genetic Counselors (National Society of Genetic Counselors)
• Genetics Home Reference  (National Library of Medicine)
• What to Expect When Meeting with a Genetic Counselor (American Society of Clinical Oncology)

Specifics

• Genetic Counseling and Evaluation for BRCA1/2 Testing (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Genetic Counseling for Congenital Heart Defects (American Heart Association)

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Genetic Counseling  (National Institutes of Health)

Journal ArticlesReferences and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Study protocol of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial incorporated into the... 
• Article: Molecular diagnosis of patients affected by mucopolysaccharidosis: a multicenter study. 
• Article: Attitude towards and factors affecting uptake of population-based BRCA testing in... 
• Genetic Counseling -- see more articles 

Reference Desk

• Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms  (National Human Genome Research Institute)Also in Spanish

Find an Expert

• Cancer Genetics Services Directory  (National Cancer Institute)
• Find a Genetic Counselor (National Society of Genetic Counselors)
• Genetic Alliance 
• March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Also in Spanish
• National Human Genome Research Institute 

Children

• What Is a Pediatric Geneticist? (American Academy of Pediatrics)Also in Spanish

Patient Handouts

• Genetic counseling (Medical Encyclopedia)Also in Spanish