The Obstetrician's Role in Genetic Counseling and Testing During Pregnancy
Genetic counseling and testing are crucial components of prenatal care, helping expectant parents understand the genetic health of their unborn child. Obstetricians play a vital role in facilitating these services, providing essential information, support, and guidance throughout the pregnancy. This article explores the importance of genetic counseling and testing during pregnancy and the obstetrician's role in this process. 1. Understanding Genetic Counseling Genetic counseling is a process that involves evaluating family history and medical records to identify potential genetic risks. Obstetricians refer patients to genetic counselors who specialize in assessing the risk of inherited conditions, congenital anomalies, and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic counseling aims to provide expectant parents with information about the likelihood of genetic disorders and the implications for the pregnancy and future health of their child. 2. Identifying Candi...