Preconception genetic counseling: A two analysis of reasons for referrals, risk categories and available interventions

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-41)Preconception genetic counseling is the counseling provided to couples before they conceive. In a typical preconception genetic counseling session risk estimates for the future pregnancies and testing options are discussed. This is the same infmmation that is given in a prenatal genetic counseling scenario. The recommendations and guidelines from prenatal health care have been extrapolated to preconception needs because there is lack of information about the latter group. The present study is designed to describe the people in the general population who received preconception genetic counseling, to understand their needs, and the reasons for referral. In the study population, 91% had at least one known factor that increased the particular risk from population level risk. Twenty-two percent of the study population was estimated to have a lower risk from population level risk for at least one condition. Reason for refeITal for preconception genetic counseling is based on the patient's self identifying her pregnancy as high risk. A significant difference was found between the reasons for referral and the reasons used as the basis for estimating the higher risks. This suggests that a lot can be offered to couples if they receive genetic counseling before they conceive