Pregnancy & Obstetrics

Genetic Counselling in Pregnancy

Pregnancy screening and genetic testing options have expanded, but they can feel overwhelming. Genetic counselling in pregnancy helps clarify what tests offer, what they cannot show, and how results may influence care.

Consultation with Dr. Deepshika Jha at Grow and Glow Clinic, Kempapura, Hebbal and Cloudnine Hospitals, Sahakar Nagar.

Call or WhatsApp to speak with the clinic. Book an Appointment opens the online request form on this website.

Editorial illustration representing pregnancy and antenatal care

Understanding this area of care

A clear overview to help you know what to expect before your consultation.

Consultation covers first- and second-trimester screening, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling when referred, and counselling when structural anomalies or family history raise concern. The aim is informed decision-making — tests are optional, and no screening detects every condition. Care is integrated with antenatal visits at Grow and Glow Clinic, Kempapura, Hebbal and Cloudnine Hospitals, Sahakar Nagar, with referral to fetal medicine or clinical genetics specialists when advanced testing or discussion is needed.

Symptoms & concerns

Common patterns women describe — though every experience is individual.

  • Not typically symptom-based — counselling is proactive or follow-up to results
  • Family history of genetic or chromosomal conditions
  • Advanced maternal age prompting screening discussion
  • Abnormal screening blood test or ultrasound finding
  • Consanguinity or known carrier status for inherited conditions

Possible causes & context

Helpful background — a consultation helps clarify what applies to you.

  • Maternal age-associated chromosomal risk
  • Family history of inherited disorders
  • Prior pregnancy with chromosomal or structural anomaly
  • Carrier screening identifying parental carrier status
  • Ultrasound findings suggesting further evaluation

When should you seek care?

If any of the following apply, it is worth arranging a consultation.

  • Early pregnancy to discuss screening options and timing
  • Abnormal first-trimester or NIPT result needing explanation
  • Family history of genetic disease before or during pregnancy
  • Ultrasound suggests structural anomaly or soft markers
  • You are unsure whether to proceed with diagnostic testing

What a consultation may involve

Every visit is tailored — this is a general guide to what may be discussed.

  1. Explanation of available screening versus diagnostic tests

  2. Discussion of conditions each test can and cannot detect

  3. Review of family and obstetric history relevant to genetic risk

  4. Support interpreting results without undue alarm or false reassurance

  5. Referral for fetal medicine, genetics, or diagnostic procedures when indicated

  6. Coordination with ongoing antenatal care and delivery planning

Treatment & management overview

Options depend on your history, examination findings, and preferences.

Screening tests estimate risk; diagnostic tests confirm chromosomal or genetic conditions in selected cases. If a condition is identified, care focuses on understanding implications, additional fetal assessment, and planning support — including referral to paediatric or surgical specialists when appropriate. Declining testing is respected; care continues with standard antenatal monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to common questions — for personal advice, please book a consultation.

What is the difference between screening and diagnostic tests?

Screening tests such as NIPT estimate the chance of certain chromosomal conditions; they are not definitive. Diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis analyse fetal cells and can confirm or exclude specific diagnoses, but carry a small procedure-related risk.

Does a high-risk screening result mean my baby has a problem?

No. High-risk screening means further discussion and possibly diagnostic testing is offered. Many high-risk screening results are followed by normal diagnostic tests.

When should I discuss genetic screening in pregnancy?

Ideally in the first trimester so timing for NIPT, combined screening, or early structural scans can be planned. It is not too late to discuss options in later pregnancy if you have not done so earlier.

Is genetic counselling only for older mothers?

No. Age is one factor, but family history, prior affected pregnancies, ultrasound findings, and carrier screening results also prompt counselling at any maternal age.

Consultation is available from nearby neighbourhoods across North Bangalore — without separate clinic addresses in every area.

Appointments

Book a consultation for genetic counselling in pregnancy

Request an appointment with Dr. Deepshika Jha for genetic counselling in pregnancy consultation in Bangalore — online, by phone, or WhatsApp.

Call or WhatsApp to speak with the clinic. Book an Appointment opens the online request form on this website.

Medical disclaimer

Information on this page is for general education and does not replace an in-person consultation with a qualified medical professional. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Symptoms and treatment options vary between individuals.