Pregnancy can lead to questions about family health history, inherited conditions, and prenatal testing. Genetic counseling helps expectant mothers understand this information and explore what results may mean for their pregnancy. Here is more information on how genetic counseling can benefit expectant mothers:
Understanding Personal and Family Risks
The first genetic counseling session usually begins with a detailed family health history. The counselor asks about relatives on both sides of the family; you will describe any cancer diagnoses, cancer types, and ages at diagnosis. The counselor uses this information to build a family tree, which is called a pedigree. When a pattern appears, such as several relatives with the same type of cancer, the counselor notes it and explains what the pattern suggests.
Your personal history also matters. The counselor reviews your past diagnoses, previous pregnancies, and ancestry, and they look at any earlier genetic test results. Some gene changes appear more often in certain populations. If the review points to an inherited cancer risk, the counselor outlines testing options. They describe how results relate to your pregnancy and your family.
Exploring Prenatal Testing Options
Prenatal tests examine the health of a developing baby. The counselor explains each test and describes what it detects and what it does not. Prenatal tests fall into two main groups, which differ in method and purpose.
Screening Tests
Screening tests estimate the chance that a baby has a specific condition. These tests use a blood sample from the mother or an ultrasound image, and they do not involve sampling from the pregnancy itself. A screening result does not confirm a diagnosis. If a result shows an increased chance, the counselor reviews the next steps, and you decide whether to pursue further testing.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests examine cells from the pregnancy to identify specific genetic conditions. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collects a small tissue sample from the placenta, and amniocentesis collects a small amount of the fluid around the baby. When a parent carries a known cancer gene change, these tests can show whether the baby inherited it. The counselor explains the timing and risks of each procedure and helps you weigh this information.
Interpreting Your Test Results
Genetic test results often use unfamiliar terms; a counselor explains each term in plain language. Results fall into a few general categories, and each category leads to different next steps. If you receive results from testing for an inherited cancer gene, you may see one of the following outcomes:
- Positive: The test found a gene change linked to a known condition or cancer risk.
- Negative: The test did not find the specific gene change it looked for.
- Variant of uncertain significance (VUS): The test found a gene change, but current research does not yet show whether it affects health.
Planning Care and Accessing Support
Genetic counseling extends beyond testing. The counselor works with your obstetrician and other providers and shares information to support your care plan. If you carry an inherited cancer gene change, your care team plans the timing of cancer screenings around your pregnancy. Some screenings take place after delivery, and the team schedules them when you and your providers agree on a timeline. Counselors also connect families with resources. These resources include support groups, educational materials, and referrals to specialists.
Schedule Your Genetic Counseling Appointment
Genetic counseling gives expectant mothers clear and organized information about inherited risks. A counselor reviews your personal and family history, and they explain prenatal testing options in plain language. When results arrive, they interpret them and help you plan care with your medical team. Contact a trusted genetic counselor near you to schedule your genetic counseling appointment today.
