Prenatal Diagnosis
Some parents have concerns that their babies might be born with an inherited defect. Special tests are available during pregnancy to determine if the baby has a particular problem. These tests are generally referred to as prenatal diagnosis.
Some reasons why you might ask your doctor about a prenatal diagnosis:
- you already have a child with a serious disorder
- you or your baby's father have a serious disorder which may be passed on to your child
- you have a relative with a serious disorder or an affected child
- you have a family history of a disorder which only affects boys. Women in the family maybe the 'carriers' of the disorder, as with haemophilia
- you are having a baby and you are in your mid thirties or older ( not necessarily your first pregnancy)
The North Coast Area Health Service has Genetics Counsellors based in Lismore (02) 66250111 and Port Macquarie, (02) 6588 2882.
You can consult the service directory to see a list of genetics counselling service locations.