Understanding Non invasive prenatal testing
Providing you with clear insights and supportive guidance as you make informed decisions for you and your baby.
Genetic Counseling
Pregnancy can bring both excitement and uncertainty, especially when questions arise about your baby’s health or your family history. For a closer look at accuracy, timing, and what results mean, see NIPT explained in detail. At Minnesota Women’s Care, genetic counseling provides personalized education and guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Through compassionate, one-on-one conversations, our team helps you better understand your risks, your options, and what each step may mean for you and your growing family. Bring those concerns with you and review the questions to ask at your first prenatal visit so nothing gets missed.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is a specialized service that helps individuals and families understand how genetics may impact their health or pregnancy.
At Minnesota Women’s Care, our genetic counselors are trained in both medical genetics and counseling. They provide clear, thoughtful guidance to help you:
- Understand inherited conditions and genetic risksÂ
- Learn about available testing optionsÂ
- Interpret results and what they mean for you and your family
- Make decisions that align with your values and goalsÂ
Each conversation is designed to simplify complex information and provide information, not overwhelm.
Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling can be helpful at many stages, whether you are planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, or simply looking to better understand your health.
You may benefit if you:
- Have questions about prenatal testing or screening optionsÂ
- Have a personal or family history of genetic conditions or birth defectsÂ
- Received abnormal or unclear test resultsÂ
- Are age 35 or older at deliveryÂ
- Have experienced multiple pregnancy lossesÂ
- Want to feel more informed and confident throughout your pregnancyÂ
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your appointment is personalized and focused on your unique needs. During your visit, you can expect to:
- Review your personal and family medical historyÂ
- Discuss available screening and testing optionsÂ
- Learn what different results may mean for your care or pregnancyÂ
- Explore how testing may guide next steps or future planningÂ
- Receive support in a safe, judgment-free environmentÂ
Our goal is simple. Help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your decisions.
Genetic Testing Options
When appropriate, your genetic counselor may discuss testing options to provide deeper insight into your baby’s development or your family health history. All testing is optional, and decisions are always yours.
Common options include:
- Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS)Â
- Carrier screeningÂ
- Ultrasound and serum screeningÂ
- Diagnostic testing such as CVS or amniocentesisÂ
Understanding Your Screening Options
There are several types of screening tests available during pregnancy.
Important to know:
- Screening do not confirm a diagnosisÂ
- Testing is always optionalÂ
- You will receive the information needed to decide what is right for youÂ
Types of screening include:
- NIPS/NIPT
- Carrier screeningÂ
- UltrasoundÂ
- Serum screeningÂ
- Cell-free DNA testingÂ
Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS/NIPT)
A blood test available during pregnancy that screens for certain chromosome differences, such as Down syndrome.
What to know:
- Screens for risk, not a diagnosisÂ
- Uses cell-free DNA from the placentaÂ
- Results may be high risk or low riskÂ
Some patients choose NIPS to help guide pregnancy management or delivery planning. Others may decide it is not the right fit for them.
Carrier Screening
Recommended for individuals planning a pregnancy or currently pregnant.
What it does:
- Identifies if you carry genes for certain inherited conditionsÂ
- Helps assess the chance of passing a condition to your childÂ
If both parents are carriers for the same condition, there is a 1 in 4 chance the pregnancy could be affected.
This information can help guide:
- Pregnancy planningÂ
- Diagnostic testing decisionsÂ
- Fertility options such as IVFÂ
- Delivery planning
- Treatment for your child during or after pregnancyÂ
Ultrasound
A routine part of prenatal care that uses sound waves to create images of your baby and monitor growth and development.
What it does:
- Evaluates baby’s anatomy, including organs and structuresÂ
- Monitors growth and overall developmentÂ
- Assesses amniotic fluid and placental positionÂ
- Identifies physical markers that may suggest an increased risk for certain conditionsÂ
What to know:
- A screening tool, not a diagnosisÂ
- May indicate if further testing or evaluation is recommendedÂ
- Often used alongside other screening methods for a more complete pictureÂ
Why Choose Minnesota Women’s Care?
At Minnesota Women’s Care, genetic counseling is rooted in our commitment to personalized, patient-centered care. We take the time to listen, explain, and support so you never feel alone in the process.
Our approach focuses on:
- Clear, honest communicationÂ
- Compassionate, individualized careÂ
- Expertise in women’s health, pregnancy, and geneticsÂ
- Supporting your decisions without pressureÂ
