Compassionate Counseling

Approximately eight percent of all children are born with some form of physical or mental defect. Our geneticists will assist families, individuals and prospective parents to:

• Analyze medical facts
• Understand the nature of the disorder and its prognosis
• Identify how a disorder was inherited
• Identify patients at risk for whom testing is available

Who can benefit from genetic counseling?

• Parents who have a child with a birth defect or hereditary disorder
• Individuals with a family history of a birth defect or hereditary disorder
• Couples with a history of infertility
• Couples with recurrent miscarriages/stillbirth
• Pregnant women with an abnormal screening
• Women age 35 or older
• Members of certain ethnic groups at risk for a genetic disorder
• Pregnant women or women planning pregnancy, exposed to a potentially harmful agent (drugs, radiation, alcohol, virus)
• Couples who are first cousins or close blood relatives

You do not have to be pregnant to meet with a genetic counselor. If you are planning a pregnancy or if you are concerned about any of the above conditions, call 630.275.2348 to schedule an appointment.