Genetic counsellors specialise in providing information, counselling and advice to women and their partners relating to the possibilities of conceiving (or giving birth to a child) with a genetic disorder or inherited abnormality. They may also offer genetic testing (if there is a test available), aimed at providing additional information to assist in the decision-making process. Genetic counsellors also provide resources and contacts for people to access organisations and volunteer groups in their local community who provide further information and ongoing support for various disorders. Most large, public maternity hospitals employ genetic counsellors as part of their pregnancy services, or the genetic counsellor may provide their services through their own private practice.
Some couples ask to see a genetic counsellor because they already hold concerns about the likelihood of conceiving a child with a genetic disorder. Others see a genetic counsellor before having a baby because their caregiver has suggested it after discussing the couple's medical and family health history at a pre-conceptual health check.
Some circumstances that may make it appropriate to see a genetic counsellor before you conceive can include: