Genetic Counselling is a unique type of service offered to individuals or families in relation to the medical, psychological, and familial effects of genetic factors that may affect pregnancy or the well-being of a baby. An educated genetic counselor offers the following information during a genetic counseling session:
- The chances of a genetic disorder affecting the pregnancy.
- The exposure risk to certain diseases or conditions.
- Available tests for screening to determine the baby's health.
- Control strategies of genetic risk factors during pregnancy and after delivery.
Thus, genetic counselors can actually describe the genetic complexities to the couple and take into consideration their options.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy where there is a risk to the mother or baby or both. This can result from either maternal health problems, difficulties with the pregnancy itself, or from genetic factors. Some of the common conditions that might lead to a high-risk pregnancy include:
Maternal age: Older than 35 years and less than 17 years of age are the women who are at risk for complications.
History of complications: A history of miscarriage, or preterm birth or other complications may risk the most recent pregnancy.
Pre-existing conditions: Pregnancy is influenced by pre-existing maternal conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and also by autoimmune diseases.
Family history of genetic disorder: If there is a history of genetic disorder in the family, such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, or sickle cell anaemia, then the chances of passing on that disease to the baby would be higher.
Multiples: The risk for complications is much higher with carrying twins, triplets, or more.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol use, and some drugs may increase the likelihood of complications in pregnancy.
This is most useful for those high-risk pregnancies with a family history of known genetic disorders, maternal age-related concerns or known chromosomal abnormalities.
Genetic counseling and its role in high-risk pregnancy
These benefits help expectant parents with high-risk pregnancy in a few key aspects: it enlightens them on genetic risks, determines what tests are appropriate, and helps guide them through the maze of medical decision-making. Some of the main roles that genetic counseling plays in the management of a high-risk pregnancy are:
- Risk Assessment of Genomic Disorder
The aim of genetic counseling is to offer a prognosis for the risk of genetic diseases or birth defects the child may face at birth. This kind of recommendation is generally given to those couples who have a history of genetic diseases, belong to a certain ethncity, or have a history of miscarriages.
- Other Tests or Screening Available
Information shared with the antenatal mother and father is known as prenatal care tests. These include screening and diagnostic tests that might bring very crucial early information about the child's health or might identify conditions for potential genetic disorders or chromosomal anomalies.
- Translate Test Results
It can be rather challenging to interpret test results after the genetic testing. Generally, genetic counselors take the time to explain to an expectant couple the meaning of test results-words and statistics.
- Directive on Medical Decisions
Such decisions to carry through the pregnancy or abort it can be very tough with the results of the genetic test, for instance, if some serious or life-threatening condition is detected. Genetic counselors can be very useful accompanying them through such difficult emotional choices, informing them about the condition, options for treatment, and long-term consequences on the quality of life of the child.
- Emotional Support and Coping Strategies
It can be really overwhelming knowing the pregnancy poses a high risk or that the baby may have a genetic condition. A genetic counselor is well-equipped to help with emotional issues at that moment. They help parents work through their feelings, fears, and concerns and develop ways to cope with uncertainty.
- Having a Future Planner
In other cases, genetic counseling extends beyond planning for the current pregnancy and also enables a person to make advance arrangements for future pregnancies. When a serious genetic disorder or chromosome aberration is discovered, a counselor may be able to outline reproductive choices one may make for future pregnancies including
Conclusion: Gene Counselling as a Potential Source
It is an invaluable source that offers medical insight and also emotional support. They will be working to understand the risks for the expectant parents and also help the parents decide on the most suitable tests. They later help them interpret the test results, and hence become an important facilitator in helping families navigate this difficult decision-making process.
With genetic counseling, you could better face high-risk pregnancy. It will help you to carry the baby with confidence and take healthy decisions for yourself and your baby.
Reviewed by
Dr. Meghana Nyapathi - Cluster Head: Reproductive Medicine, Milann - J P Nagar, HSR Layout.
