What is a Genetic Counselor and How Can They Empower Me?

Posted On: June 9, 2023 By CIW

Genetics can be a complex subject and involves the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms. Many of our patients have concerns regarding whether they may pass a genetic condition to their future child or children. To determine if this is the case, an appointment with a genetic counselor is necessary. Read on to learn more about genetic counseling, what a genetic counselor does, and how they can help you.

What is a Genetic Counselor?

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who can provide you with information about how certain genetic conditions may affect you or your family. To hold the distinction of a genetic counselor, an individual must obtain a master’s degree in human genetics and counseling. This schooling allows them to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex topic of genetics, as well as clearly explain these subjects to patients, helping to guide patients in making decisions regarding their pregnancy and health. At Carnegie Imaging, our genetic counselor typically discusses the results of prenatal genetic tests with our patients.

How Can Genetic Counseling Benefit You?

If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant and have questions regarding a condition or disease that runs in your family, you could benefit from genetic counseling. This is particularly true for individuals who have a family history of inherited birth defects or disorders. Generally, genetic counseling patients have already received abnormal results following genetic screening or a diagnostic test and are now interested in discussing these results with the genetic counselor.

Those who have concerns about whether their medical history, age, lifestyle, or job may also affect their future baby can also often benefit from genetic counseling. Furthermore, women who are over the age of 35 and are pregnant or who have had multiple unexplained miscarriages or early infant deaths may also consider genetic counseling.

What Can I Expect from Prenatal Genetic Counseling?

During your appointment with our prenatal genetic counselor, she will review your recent and relevant medical history, as well as ask you to complete a genetic questionnaire. She will then create a family tree indicating any medical conditions that may be inherited. She may also review the results of any genetic testing that you have already completed in the past.

Next, your genetic counselor will speak with you regarding the risks of your child having a birth defect or medical condition. This is a great time to ask any questions that you may have. Together, you and your counselor can create a plan regarding any future testing and/or pregnancies.

About Our Geneticist

At Carnegie Imaging, we are proud to work with board-certified OB/GYN and Clinical Geneticist, Dr. Tamar Goldwaser. After earning her B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior at Barnard College, she received her M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Goldwaser has completed residencies in OB/GYN at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and in Medical Genetical at Montefiore Medical Center. At Carnegie Imaging and Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, she offers genetic counseling sessions, as well as prenatal ultrasounds and diagnostic procedures.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldwaser, call Carnegie Imaging today or request an appointment through our online form.  You can contact Carnegie South at 212-235-1506 or Carnegie Hill at 212-257-9654.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!

Comments are closed.