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Healthcare Services Pregnancy and Delivery Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling takes place between the patient and her medical team. It helps the patient understand the risk of recurrence of birth defects or genetic disorders within a family and in her unborn baby. Specific goals are to:

  • Assist the patient or family in understanding the medical facts;
  • Appreciate the way heredity contributes to the disorder;
  • Understand possible options for dealing with the risks;
  • Help choose a plan that is most appropriate for the family;
  • Help the family to make the best possible choice.

The UF genetic counselor at Shands Jacksonville provides prenatal genetic counseling services to patients with special circumstances, including increased maternal age, abnormal prenatal screens such as triscreens and ultrasounds, a family history of birth defects or genetic disorders, and possible teratogenic exposures (medicines, chemicals, etc.). Referrals for DNA diagnostic testing, parentage testing and cancer risk counseling are also appropriate. Our genetic counselor is able to provide comprehensive counseling services when a diagnosis is known.

Appointments may be scheduled through your doctor's office or by calling (904) 244-6667.