{"id":"f-73cd9b4b27-03d9a6f2-4741-5724-90cc-0e19a6f8e463","title":"What is genetic counselling? Gynae explains why expectant parents need it","description":"In recent years, factors such as delayed pregnancies, increasing fertility, lifestyle-related health issues, and sedentary lifestyles have increased the chances of genetic disorders in babies. Genetic counselling helps couples understand whether they carry genes that could potentially be passed on to their child.","timestamp":1771066080,"category":"food_and_health","headline":"What is genetic counselling? Gynae explains why expectant parents need it","modifiedHeadline":"Genetic counselling aids expectant parents","subCategories":["scid_835d4705"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"7b48871c-c993-4956-b43d-6f46f8e1b036","bundleTitle":"Today In India","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"305","fcSummary":"genetic counseling is increasingly vital for expectant parents in India due to rising risks from late pregnancies, lifestyle factors, and family history. it helps couples understand and manage potential genetic disorders in their children, enabling informed decisions and early interventions for better maternal and child health outcomes.","summary":"Genetic counselling helps expectant parents assess risks of passing on genetic disorders due to modern lifestyle factors.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/astrology/IN/en/news9/f-73cd9b4b27-03d9a6f2-4741-5724-90cc-0e19a6f8e463","sourceUrl":"https://www.news9live.com/health/health-news/what-is-genetic-counselling-gynae-explains-why-expectant-parents-need-it-2928467","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/edJIRJI_fmq0.webp","content":"

New Delhi: In India, increasing awareness about maternal and child health has brought genetic counseling into focus for expectant parents. Genetic counseling helps

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couples understand the risk of inherited or genetic conditions that could affect their baby. With factors such as late pregnancies, consanguineous marriages, family history of genetic disorders, and lifestyle-related health issues on the rise, genetic counseling is becoming an important part of prenatal care.

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Dr. Preethika Shetty, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, spoke about the importance of genetic counselling.

Why is genetic counselling needed today?

In recent years, factors such as delayed pregnancies, increasing fertility, lifestyle-related health issues, and sedentary lifestyles have increased the chances of genetic disorders in babies. Genetic counselling helps couples understand whether they carry genes that could potentially be passed on to their child.

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Who should consider genetic counselling?

Couples with a family history of genetic or inherited disorders.
Those who have undergone recurrent miscarriages or unexplained infertility.
Couples who have opted for IVF or assisted reproductive treatments.
Women in their advanced maternal age.
Parents who have had a child with congenital anomalies.
Couples in consanguineous marriages (inter-family marriages)

Impact of Genetic counseling on pregnancy and child health

Genetic counseling plays an important role in identifying potential genetic risks early in pregnancy or even before conception. Conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, Down syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, and other inherited disorders can be detected on time. Through counseling and appropriate genetic testing, couples can understand their chances of passing these conditions to their child.

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Congenital anomalies are defined as structural or functional abnormalities that are present at or before birth. They are a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the country. Early identification allows doctors to plan timely interventions, advanced prenatal monitoring, or specialized care at birth. In some cases, it also helps parents prepare emotionally and medically for managing a child with special healthcare needs. For families with a history of genetic disorders, repeated miscarriages, or infertility, genetic counseling provides clarity and direction, reducing uncertainty and stress.

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Genetic counseling also promotes preventive healthcare. By understanding carrier status and genetic risks, couples can make lifestyle and medical choices that improve pregnancy outcomes. It encourages responsible family planning and helps reduce the long-term emotional and financial burden associated with untreated genetic conditions. Hence, expectant parents should not avoid genetic counselling.

The last word

Genetic counseling is a valuable tool for expectant parents in India. So, integrating it into routine prenatal care can improve maternal and child health outcomes. Parents are advised to discuss this openly without any hesitation. Genetic counseling is one of the most efficient methods for preventing genetic diseases and birth defects and improving the quality of life of children.

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Counselling promotes informed decision-making, especially when combined with prenatal or preimplantation diagnostic techniques. Facilities for such diagnostics, along with the willingness to undergo medical termination in cases of severe anomalies, can greatly reduce the incidence and severity of congenital disorders. It is time that couples should consult the doctor and understand it and go for it without fail.

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What is genetic counselling? Gynae explains why expectant parents need it

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