What Happens During a Visit?

You should arrive at your appointment approximately 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to register and complete any paperwork that is needed.

You can decide if you and your partner would prefer to come for genetic counseling at a time separate from a diagnostic procedure or ultrasound, or be seen for both counseling and the procedure on the same day.

First, you will meet individually with a genetic counselor to review your family and pregnancy history as well as the available screening and diagnostic tests. This part of your visit usually lasts between 45 minutes to one hour. Appointments for ultrasound, CVS and/or amniocentesis usually last an additional 45 minutes to one hour. If you decide to have an amniocentesis or CVS, these procedures take less than two minutes to perform. Most women do not find either procedure painful, although there may be some discomfort. You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after a CVS or amniocentesis at the time of your appointment, or you can find this information at the following link: Post-Procedure Instructions

Preparing for Your Visit

When you call to schedule an appointment with us, we will provide you with detailed instructions, based on what type of appointment you are scheduled for at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center.

Before a genetic counseling appointment: You will be asked to complete a Prenatal Genetic Screening Questionnaire. This will be sent to you by mail or you may download a copy. Please bring this completed form to your appointment. You will also be provided with information sheets that may be useful. You may read through this information before your session; however, this is not essential to your visit. The appropriate information sheets will be mailed to you, or you may print them from your home computer by visiting our useful forms and fact sheets page.

If your genetic counseling session is directly followed by an ultrasound appointment, you will be asked to drink water during the genetic counseling session. You do NOT need to arrive with a full bladder if you have a genetic counseling appointment.

Before a CVS appointment: Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products five (5) days prior to a CVS procedure and do not take Heparin 24 hours prior to a CVS procedure. You will also need a full bladder for the ultrasound that guides the CVS procedure. You will be asked to drink 2 to 3 eight-ounce glasses of water 1 hour before the CVS procedure. Remember that if you have genetic counseling scheduled immediately before your CVS, you may drink your water during the genetics consultation.

Before an amniocentesis appointment: Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products five (5) days prior to an amniocentesis procedure and do not take Heparin 24 hours prior to an amniocentesis procedure. You will also need a full bladder for the ultrasound that guides the amniocentesis. You will be asked to drink 2 to 3 eight-ounce glasses of water 1 hour before the procedure. Remember that if you have genetic counseling scheduled immediately before your amniocentesis, you may drink your water during the genetics consultation.

Before an ultrasound appointment: You will need a full bladder for the ultrasound. You will be asked to drink 2 to 3 eight-ounce glasses of water one hour before the ultrasound appointment. Remember that if you have genetic counseling scheduled immediately before your ultrasound, you may drink your water during the genetics consultation.

Before a screening test, such as Integrated Screening: You will need a full bladder for the ultrasound portion of the screening test. For example, the Nuchal Translucency ultrasound portion of the Integrated screening test requires a full bladder. You will be asked to drink 2 to 3 eight-ounce glasses of water 1 hour before the ultrasound appointment. Remember that if you have genetic counseling scheduled immediately before your ultrasound, you may drink your water during the genetics consultation.

Before a blood test: You do not need to do anything to prepare. There are no restrictions on eating food or drinking fluids that will affect the blood work that is performed at our center. For example, you are not required to fast before having your blood drawn for Cystic Fibrosis carrier screening. Please keep in mind that if you are having your blood drawn as part of a screening that also involves ultrasound (e.g. integrated screen) you will need a full bladder for the ultrasound portion of that exam.

When Are the Test Results Available?

Chromosome results are usually available in 10 days. Special genetic tests may take additional time. The results of ultrasound are discussed with you at the time of your visit. If you choose a prenatal screening test, the results will be available depending upon the type of screening you have performed. Your genetic counselor will call you as soon as diagnostic or screening results are complete. He or she will be available to discuss any further questions or concerns you and your partner may have.

Is Testing Covered by My Health Plan?

Most health plans cover prenatal testing. You may need a referral from your primary care physician or health plan before obtaining services. Our office staff can assist you with your health plan questions.