Patients
Practioners
General Information
Other UWMC Obstetrical Specialty Care Clinics
Prenatal
Genetics and
Fetal
Therapy Program
Department
of Obstetrics & Gynecology
University
of Washington School of Medicine
(206) 598-8130 (206) 598-2359 fax
General Patient Information
If you call for an appointment for yourself, our appointment coordinators must first contact your obstetrical care provider in order to arrange for transfer of all pertinent medical information. Then you will be contacted by phone with the appointment information. Your visit may include appointments with not only the genetic counselor, but also for an ultrasound as well as a consultation with a perinatologist.
Prior to your visit, you should prepare yourself to answer several questions:
- These include a medical/genetics history of both you and the father of the baby's family, including other children, brothers and sisters, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and grandparents.
- Specific items of interest include information about any members affected by specific medical and genetic diseases, mental retardation, birth defects, need for childhood surgery, childhood death and other early deaths (<65 years).
- Information concerning complications affecting prior pregnancies is important to review.
- Other information of value includes whethor or not you have had any colds or flu-like illnesses during the pregnancy, smoked tobacco, used medications or other drugs, drank any alcohol or were exposed to any environmental hazards including chemicals, pesticides, radiation or questionable food or water sources.
If an ultrasound has been been scheduled for you, you do NOT need to have a full bladder. In fact, most likely you will be asked to empty your bladder before starting the procedure.
Both your history and ultrasound results will be reviewed with you by the genetic counselor. If a consult with a perinatologist is indicated, they will discuss with you the findings and determine the obstetrical management plan with you and your referring provider.
All information is confidential and will not be discussed with others, including family members, without your prior consent.
Last Updated:
5/1/07