Prenatal Clinic

Most babies are born healthy. When a baby is suspected to have or has been diagnosed with a birth defect or genetic condition, our genetics experts are here to help.

• Genetic counseling is available for families before, during or after a pregnancy.
• Prenatal genetic counselors at MMI's Department of Genetic Medicine specialize in helping individuals, couples and families concerned with their own family history, who may be at an increased risk of having a baby with a genetic condition.
• During pregnancy, you may be referred to a prenatal genetic counselor if your doctors sees something abnormal on an ultrasound or other parental test.
• Maybe you've experienced several pregnancy losses.
• No matter the reason for your appointment, our compassionate genetic counselor help individuals understand medical information, know what to expect, how to prepare, and options.

Before Pregnancy

It is common for individuals to have concerns about pregnancy when they have a family history of genetic conditions, after having a child diagnosed with a genetic condition or after experiencing pregnancy loss. Counseling sessions may include discussion about birth defects or genetic conditions within your family history, genetic carrier screening, prenatal screening for birth defects and chromosome disorders such as Down syndrome and Trisomy, and recurrence risk assessment for future children.

During Pregnancy

Many patients choose to meet with a genetic counselor to discuss their concerns during pregnancy. Routine services provided include interpretation of family and medical histories, education on inheritance, testing, resources and management of a birth defect or genetic condition, and encouragement for patients to take an active role in their health care.

Learn more about genetic counseling for pregnancy at Nebraska Medicine.