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Chapter-02 Genetic Counseling for Obstetricians

BOOK TITLE: An Introduction to Genetics and Fetal Medicine

Author
1. Kabra Madhulika
2. Agarwal Neerja
ISBN
9788184489606
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11186_2
Edition
2/e
Publishing Year
2010
Pages
8
Author Affiliations
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, AIIMS, New Delhi, India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, New Delhi, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Genetic counseling in association with modern prenatal diagnostic procedures constitutes a basic element of prevention of congenital anomalies and genetic disorders. Pediatricians and gynecologists are the primary physicians for the diagnosis, and management of children and high-risk couples with genetic disorders. They should make the parents or couple aware of the genetic disorder, risk of recurrence, prognosis and prenatal diagnosis. Genetic counseling has become an integral part of management of any disorder with genetic or probable genetic etiology. Counseling should be undertaken by a physician with proper understanding of the genetic mechanisms. The main elements of genetic counseling can be summarized as: (a) Diagnostic and clinical aspects, (b) Documentation of family and pedigree information, (c) Recognition of inheritance patterns and risk estimation, (d) Communication and empathy, (e) Information on available options, (f) Support in decision making. It also aims at providing social and psychological support to the affected family by the removal or lessening of guilt or anxiety and helping the individuals/couples achieve their parenting goals.

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