Whether you’re just beginning to explore the possibility of having a child or are actively trying to become pregnant, the genetic counselors at Baylor Prenatal and Reproductive Genetics are here for you. Preconception genetic counseling can help identify your risk factors before you become pregnant. During your preconception genetic counseling visit, a genetic counselor will review your and your family’s medical history, discuss genetic screening and testing options and provide a personalized risk assessment. If your children are at risk for a genetic condition, genetic counselors will discuss the options available for early detection and possibly even prevention, enabling you to make the best decisions for the health of your family.
Many couples use assisted reproductive methods, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), to help achieve a pregnancy. At Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, preconception genetic counseling is offered in collaboration with our fertility services in an effort to increase your chances of a healthy baby.
Carrier screening
Carrier screening is a type of genetic test that can tell you whether you carry a gene for certain genetic disorders. While carrier screening can be done during pregnancy, the ideal time for carrier screening is prior to conception. Preconception testing provides you with the opportunity and time to use information about your genetic carrier status to make pregnancy planning decisions. For example, if you’re found to be at increased risk of having a child with an inherited genetic condition, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) may be available to help reduce the risk for this condition in your children.
Family history assessment
A family history assessment is an important part of family planning. A genetic counselor will review your family history and provide a personalized risk assessment about the heritability of specific health concerns present in you, your reproductive partner or your family members. Available testing options and possible preventive measures will be discussed.
Pregnancy and medications
Some medications or exposures can be harmful to a developing baby. Our doctors and genetic counselors are available to discuss possible effects of medications or potentially harmful substances during pregnancy.
Couples at risk of passing on a genetic condition have the option of undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with PGT. PGT involves performing genetic testing on embryos conceived through IVF to identify healthy embryos for transfer and pregnancy.
No matter where you are in your journey to start or grow your family, our compassionate team of doctors and specialists can help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Continued care once you’re pregnant
Our team offers prenatal services and other diagnostic testing to families during pregnancy.