Counselling and screening for certain inherited conditions can help you make informed decisions about a future pregnancy.
Many couples are interested in obtaining genetic counselling before they get pregnant, either because they have experienced multiple miscarriages in the past or they have a family history of inherited conditions (such as cystic fibrosis), chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down Syndrome), or birth defects (such as spina bifida).
Screening for certain genetic conditions - called autosomal recessive conditions - is typically sought by couples of certain ethnic backgrounds which carry a higher risk of inherited disorders, or those with a history of - or ultrasound finding of - known autosomal recessive conditions.
Read our genetics section for more information to help you decide whether counselling or screening is right for you.
For more information on tests you can undergo during pregnancy to screen for genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, visit our prenatal testing page.
