The information from genetic testing can have a big impact on
your life. Genetic counselors are trained to help you understand
your risk of getting a disease related to genetics or of having
a child with an inherited (genetic) disease, such as sickle cell
disease, cystic fibrosis, or hemophilia. A genetic counselor can
help you make well-informed decisions. Ask to have genetic
counseling before making a decision about testing. Genetic
counseling may involve: - Discussing what problems an inherited
disease - Teaching you and your partner about how a specific
disease is inherited or passed from you to your child. -
Discussing whether and how to test for an inherited disease
before you become pregnant or before your child is born. -
Discussing the likelihood that you and your partner will have a
child with an inherited disease, based on test results. Genetic
counseling can help you and your family: - Understand medical
facts, including what causes diseases, how a diagnosis is made,
and what you may be able to do