Post birth Counseling

When a couple gives birth to a child with a birth defect or a genetic disorder, genetic testing of the couple may be recommended after the birth, especially if they desire more children. Testing may alert the couple to problems that could arise in subsequent pregnancies.

• Most infants with problems are identified at birth or shortly afterward. Babies born with genetic malformations or birth defects are usually grouped in one of three categories: babies with obvious malformations at the time of birth
• babies who are "sick" or have a difficult time immediately after birth
• babies who appear normal at birth but develop abnormalities later

An accurate diagnosis is important. Helpful sources of information include family history, laboratory results, physical exam, pregnancy history (including medications, complications and environmental exposures), growth and development history during the pregnancy and after the birth, and photographs of the baby.

This information can provide guidance about what lies ahead and various treatments that might be available. Genetic counseling after a baby is born with a birth defect is most helpful in answering the question, "What are the chances of it happening again?

If the risk of recurrence of a problem is low, some families choose to have more children. If the risk is high or if prenatal diagnosis is not available, a couple may decide not to have children. In some cases, a couple may opt for donor insemination, if that might prevent a problem. Donor insemination uses donor sperm to achieve pregnancy. The partner's sperm is not used if he has a chromosomal disorder or is a carrier of a chromosomal disorder. This isn't a choice for every couple.