Genetics in perinatal nursing: clinical applications and policy considerations

Genetics is becoming an important part of perinatal nursing care. The need for genetic counseling and referral may be identified before conception, early in pregnancy, upon the demise of a fetus with an abnormality, or after the birth of an infant with a genetic condition. Perinatal nurses often are present when parents first discover the presence of a genetic condition in their fetus or infant. Women who will be 35 at the time of their infant's birth and women who have family histories of genetic disorders should be offered appropriate screening tests.