The impact of third-trimester genetic counseling

To evaluate the impact of genetic counseling (GC) during the third trimester by analyzing changes in pregnancy management and the correlation with postnatal findings.

This was a retrospective study. Pregnancy course and neonatal follow-up were analyzed according to the reason for referral and implementation of recommendations.

The records of neonates born to 181 women were retrieved. Fifty-two women (group 1-29%) qualified for pregnancy termination under Israeli guidelines and laws, and 129 (group 2-71%) were not at the time they were referred. By another division: 104 women (group 3-57%) followed the physician's diagnostic recommendations completely after counseling including amniocentesis, fetal MRI, targeted ultrasound scans, fetal echocardiography. Seventy-seven declined amniocentesis (group 4-43%). Additional abnormalities were detected postpartum in all groups without statistically difference: 3/52 (10%) in group 1, 9/129 (7%) in group 2, 6/104 (6%) in group 3, and 6/77 (8%) in group 4).

GC in the third trimester of pregnancy provided the couple with a sharper more focused picture and assisted them to perceive the significance of new, significant fetal findings which attest to the value of the GC.