Two forms, one goal.

Genetic
Counselling

Basic genetic counselling

Before certain ultrasound examinations of the unborn child, but also before diagnostic procedures such as the AMNIOCENTESE or CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING a so-called basic genetic counselling session takes place. This is carried out by the gynaecologist looking after you. All colleagues working in the practice have acquired a special qualification for this.

This is a consultation in which the doctor first finds out about the initial situation of the patient and her partner. The gynaecological and general health history, medical peculiarities of close relatives of the couple and data on the course of the pregnancy to date are asked.

The actual counselling is based on this information. The possible examination methods and their performance are explained. A specific method is often recommended, but the choice is always up to the pregnant woman. Both partners are given the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any problems of understanding.

If particularly detailed counselling is required and/or a more complex genetic issue needs to be dealt with, the patient will be offered an appointment with a specialist in human genetics.

Consultation with a specialist in human genetics

Counselling by a specialist in human genetics follows the same principles as basic genetic counselling, but is usually more detailed. TYPICAL QUESTIONS are summarised below. The counselling can deal with general questions or specific problems in an ongoing pregnancy, but can also take place in the run-up to a planned pregnancy. It is always concluded with a detailed written statement addressed to the gynaecologist in charge, but also to the patients themselves. Great importance is attached to ensuring that this letter is understandable for medical laypersons.

Genetic laboratory tests, which are usually carried out on a blood sample, play an important role in some counselling questions. The specialist in human genetics will select them specifically depending on the issue at hand. Genetic laboratory tests are in most cases technically complex and therefore take several days to several weeks to complete.

Questions or appointments?

Do you have further questions on the subject of "Genetic counselling" or would you like to make an appointment at our practice for prenatal medicine and genetics?

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Two forms of counselling, but the same goals!

Regardless of whether you receive basic genetic counselling or counselling from a specialist in human genetics - the objectives are always the same:

Careful documentation and assessment of the initial situation and problem in order to be able to offer you the best possible diagnosis and treatment.
Open-ended counselling to harmonise the available medical options with your wishes and values.
Comprehensive and understandable counselling to enable you to make an informed decision about whether or not to make use of prenatal medical measures.
Support in an interdisciplinary team to ensure every possible support and guidance in difficult decision-making situations.

Typical factors for genetic counselling by a specialist in human genetics

Involuntary childlessness - especially if certain artificial insemination measures are being considered.
Previous miscarriages or stillbirths.
Previous birth of a child with a malformation or other congenital developmental disorder.
Carrier of a chromosomal abnormality in the female or male.
Transmission of a hereditary disease by the woman or the man.
Certain chronic diseases of women or men.
A past cancer treatment of the woman or man.
Permanent need for the woman to take medication.
Congenital/hereditary diseases in the family of one of the partners.
Consanguinity between the partners.

Older pregnant women - especially if a particularly detailed explanation of the alternative methods of prenatal diagnostics is desired.
Conspicuous findings in the AMNIOCENTESIS or CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING.
Conspicuous findings in the ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION of the unborn child.
Conspicuous findings with certain BLOOD TESTS of pregnant women.
Taking medication during pregnancy.
Radiation exposure during pregnancy.
Consumption of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy.
Certain illnesses of the pregnant woman or the father of the child.
Congenital diseases/disabilities in the family.