Four Times When It May Be Helpful to Speak with a Genetic Counsellor

By Ashley Collier, MS, CGC · Sep 2019

Many people are unfamiliar with genetic counselling and what a genetic counsellor can actually do for them. Here are four situations where meeting with one can make a real difference.

Preconception

Some couples opt to speak with a genetic counsellor when planning a pregnancy. A genetic counsellor can review their medical and family history, provide information on any conditions in the family, and discuss options for carrier testing — testing that can determine whether someone is a carrier for various genetic conditions before pregnancy begins.

Prenatal

Some pregnant women meet with a genetic counsellor when there is a family history of a genetic condition, when prenatal screening returns an abnormal result, or simply to understand their testing options. A genetic counsellor can review the family history, explain prenatal testing options, and provide support for decision-making.

Pediatric

A genetic counsellor can speak with a child and their parents if there is a chance the child may have a genetic condition — explaining the inheritance pattern, discussing genetic testing options, and helping interpret results in an age-appropriate way.

Adult

Genetic counsellors also work with adults who have a personal or family history of a condition that may have a hereditary basis — hereditary cancer, cardiac conditions, neurological conditions, and more. A genetic counsellor reviews the medical and family history, provides a risk assessment, discusses genetic testing options, and helps the patient understand what results would mean for their care and for their family members.