Skip Navigation Home | About CDC | Press Room | Funding | A-Z Index | Centers, Institute & Offices | Training & Employment | Contact Us
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Home Page
horizontal line  
 

Birth Defects
Birth Defects Home > Genetics > Genetic Counseling
Photo of family

Where can I find out more about pediatric genetic conditions?

I have a family history of a genetic condition or developmental disability-- where can I get genetic counseling?

My child was screened as a  newborn for genetic conditions - why was this done?

I  have a family history of a genetic condition or developmental disability-- where can I get genetic counseling?

Why would I see a genetic counselor?

  • Family history of a genetic condition

  • Couples who have trouble getting pregnant

  • Couples who have had several miscarriages or infant deaths

  • Women might go to a genetic counselor after learning the results of blood test or because of their age

  • Other women go to a genetic counselor to learn about the effects of being exposed to things like x-rays, chemicals, illness, or drugs while pregnant.

What does a genetic counselor do?

Genetic counselor can:

  • Talk with you about birth defects and genetic conditions

  • Refer families to other helpful resources for help

  • Help families deal with feelings about how these conditions affect their families

  • Answer both medical and personal questions

  • Ask questions about family history and pregnancy history

  • Talk with families about tests used to find a condition and, if known, about how to prevent a condition

Where can I find a clinical geneticist or genetic counselor?

  • Your health care provider
  • Nearest university medical school or medical center
  • Another helpful website is http://www.nsgc.org/
  • If you are unable to find one in your area, please contact us with your location, and we will help you.


Note: *This site is not a CDC site and will be opened in a new browser window. Use your browser "back" button to return to this site. CDC is not responsible for the content of Web pages found at this link. Links to nonfederal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not indicate an endorsement of these organizations by CDC or the federal government.
 

Date: June 17, 2005
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

 

horizontal line
Topic Contents
 arrow Topic Home
  arrow Basic Facts
arrow Monitoring Birth Defects
arrow Research
arrow Prevention
arrow Genetics
horizontal line
blackdots
Quick Links

Click here to go to CDC's pregnancy information

Related Links
Folic Acid
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Public Health Genomics
NBDPS Protocol
blackdots
 

Contact Info

Thank you for visiting the CDC-NCBDDD Web site. Click here to contact the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

We are not able to answer personal medical questions. Please see your health care provider concerning appropriate care, treatment, or other medical advice.
 

blackdots

Programs and Campaigns

Pregnancy-Planning Education Program
Science Ambassador Program
 

blackdots

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
 

 

    Home   |   Policies and Regulations   |   Disclaimer   |   e-Government   |  FOIA   |  Contact Us  
 Safer, Healthier People  FirstGovDHHS Department of Health
and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Public Inquiries: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636); 1-888-232-6348 (TTY), 24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov