Our Services

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counselors are health care professionals with a master's degree in human genetics and counseling. These individuals are specially trained to help patients and their partners understand their options, including whether to proceed with prenatal screening and/or prenatal diagnosis.

Genetic counselors at SFPA will first discuss your personal and family health history, and review any relevant medical records, in order to determine the risk that a birth defect, genetic condition, or other fetal disorder might occur. Using the information provided, the counselors explain potential risks, and discuss possible testing options, including the risks, benefits, and limitations of testing. During this process, the counselors remain sensitive to your individual needs, values, and goals. The counselors at SFPA are committed to providing support and individualized care throughout this process.

The genetic counselors at SFPA are all board certified by, or active candidates for, certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?

Women of any age who are unsure of their screening and testing options
Women who have had a previous child with a birth defect
Women who have had two or more unexplained miscarriages or early infant deaths
Couples who are first cousins or other close blood relatives
Individuals with questions about a disease or condition that runs in the family
Individuals with a family history of an inherited disorder, birth defect or mental retardation
Individuals with abnormal results from genetic screening or a diagnostic test
Individuals concerned that his or her job, lifestyle or medical history may pose a risk to pregnancy (including exposure to infection, medicines, alcohol, street drugs, chemicals or other environmental agents)
Couples with infertility issues that may have been caused by a genetic abnormality
Men with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) or known male factor infertility