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01-04-2006 | Original Paper

Twin Gestation Pregnancies: Genetic Counseling and Testing Experience

Authors: Kathryn F. Peters, Brian M. Saltsman, Stephen A. Petrill

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 2/2006

Abstract

We report on the prenatal genetic counseling and testing experience in 343 pregnancies with twin or higher multiple gestations. By self-report, 8% (27/343) parents of these pregnancies reported meeting with a genetic counselor, and 23% (79/343) elected prenatal genetic testing. The most common testing procedures elected were maternal serum analyte screening and amniocentesis to identify fetuses with aneuploidy or neural tube defects. Use of prenatal genetic testing was correlated with advanced maternal age. No association was found between use of genetic testing and use of OI/ART or the length of time needed to conceive. Forty percent (11/27) of those who met with a genetic counselor opted to decline prenatal testing/screening. These data suggest that although clients with multiple gestation pregnancies would likely benefit from genetic counseling, many are not availing themselves of this service. Implications of these data for the genetic counseling profession are discussed.

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The results of the neuropsychometric assessments are not germane to this analysis and will be presented elsewhere.

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Title: Twin Gestation Pregnancies: Genetic Counseling and Testing Experience
Authors: Kathryn F. Peters
Brian M. Saltsman
Stephen A. Petrill
Publication date: 01-04-2006
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 2/2006
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-005-9007-2

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Twin Gestation Pregnancies: Genetic Counseling and Testing Experience

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