Provides genetic assessment, genetic counselling, screening, and diagnosis to pregnant individuals / couples at increased risk for congenital anomalies (birth defects) or genetic conditions.
The goal of prenatal genetic counseling is to provide information and support to pregnant women / couples and their families who may have an increased chance of having a child with a birth defect or genetic condition. Prenatal Genetics works collaboratively with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic.
Prenatal genetic counsellors / geneticists help individuals:
- understand medical information and risks about the pregnancy and provide support in making personal decisions about the management of the pregnancy.
- who are not pregnant but have concerns about having a child with a genetic condition, because of their own health or their family history.
The Prenatal Genetics Clinic is a high risk clinic. Common indications for referral are:
- Increased nuchal translucency over 3.5mm.
- Ultrasound suggesting / confirming a congenital anomaly or syndrome.
- Teratogen exposure
- Family history or previous pregnancy impacted by a suspected or confirmed genetic condition, suggesting an increased risk in the current pregnancy.
- Couple known to be at risk for having a pregnancy with a genetic condition (e.g cystic fibrosis, hemoglobinopathy, chromosome condition)
- Woman impacted by a medical condition placing the pregnancy at risk (e.g PKU, Marfan syndrome)
For more information visit the Clinical & Metabolic Genetics website.