Pregnant woman sitting on a couch.

Prenatal genetic testing in Austin

Specialists at Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin provide compassionate prenatal genetic testing for pregnant women and women considering pregnancy.
CALL – 512-324-7256
REFER A PATIENT

Prenatal and preconception genetic counseling can help you and your doctor better understand the health of your baby. Certified genetic counselors at Ascension Seton work closely with your maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist or OB-GYN to evaluate the likelihood of genetic conditions in current or future pregnancies. Your genetic counselor starts by listening to understand you and your concerns. Together, we can talk about your family history, risks and any conditions you may be concerned about. Your genetic counselor takes the time to explain your options for genetic testing and can recommend testing that is right for you and your family.

Prenatal genetic testing services are offered through a clinical partnership between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin.

A comprehensive approach to genetic testing and counseling

Your experienced genetic counselor will explain the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and diagnoses. If you choose to have genetic testing, your DNA (and sometimes your baby’s DNA) can be collected through a maternal blood sample, before or during your pregnancy. Once your results are available, your genetic counselor discusses results with you and helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare.

Sometimes, family or personal health history, abnormal blood screening results, or abnormal ultrasound findings suggest an increased likelihood for genetic syndromes or birth anomalies in a specific pregnancy. In that case, prenatal diagnosis may help evaluate the pregnancy for a specific genetic syndrome or group of syndromes. Prenatal diagnosis for genetic conditions could provide valuable information to you, your family and your doctor. Identifying genetic conditions during pregnancy could allow you to make better informed decisions about the future. It helps provide more time to prepare for having a child with a particular condition and to organize the care your child may need.

For more information about genetic counseling services, please call 512-324-7256.

Helping you understand your pregnancy

We provide pregnancy and preconception genetic counseling for:

  • Prenatal ultrasound showing fetal anomaly
  • Abnormal genetic screening test result (such as cell-free DNA/NIPT screening)
  • Counseling about the likelihood of a genetic condition and testing options
  • Counseling when parents of pregnancy are known carriers of a genetic condition
  • Counseling of couples who are blood relatives
  • Family history of disability, birth abnormalities or genetic conditions
  • Known potentially harmful exposure during pregnancy
  • Previous pregnancy loss (at least two unexplained miscarriages, stillbirth, or fetal or neonatal loss)

Connected to advanced maternity and fetal care at Dell Children's Medical Center

If you and your baby need more care, you will be connected to advanced maternal and fetal care at Dell Children’s. Here, you and your baby are connected to the highest level of fetal care, maternity care, specialized delivery care, a Level IV NICU, pediatric specialty care and more.

Refer a patient to a specialist

Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand each patient’s needs and develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral for your patient, please call 512-324-7256.

Featured locations