Facts on Genetic Counseling
Humans inherit 46 chromosomes from their parents. These genetic proteins give the body instructions on things like eye color, hair type and height. Sometimes these chromosomes have mutations that manifest as inherited disorders like Down Syndrome, heart disease and certain types of cancers.
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Purpose
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The purpose of genetic counseling is to help a family understand inherent genetic conditions and determine their risk of passing genetic disorders to their offspring.
Certified Genetic Counselors
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Genetic counseling as a discipline was formalized in 1969 and a certification program began in 1981. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) has certified over 2,448 genetic counselors as of 2010.
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Genetic Testing
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Genetic counseling might lead to some form of genetic testing. If appropriate, a genetic test can help identify genetic anomalies and assess the risk levels for further pregnancies.
Reasons for Genetic Counseling
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Pregnant mothers and women who have had two or more failed pregnancies should seriously consider genetic counseling. Also, women who have already had a child with a genetic disorder should consult with a counselor before their next pregnancy.
Family Tree
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Genetic counseling makes use of family trees to map out a detailed medical history. By displaying the medical history of relatives in the family tree, a patient can better understand the risk of genetic disorders.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Alan Turkus Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kate Weber
