genetic counseling

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Explanation of "Genetic Counseling"

Definition: Genetic counseling is a type of guidance provided to people who are thinking about having children. It helps them understand the chances of their future children having genetic disorders, which are health problems caused by genes or chromosomes.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You would use "genetic counseling" when talking about family planning, health care, or genetics.
• Who it's for: It is mainly for prospective parents, people with a family history of genetic disorders, or individuals who may be carriers of certain genetic conditions.

Example:

• "Before having a baby, Maria and John decided to go for genetic counseling to learn about any risks of inherited health issues."

Advanced Usage:

• In a medical context, genetic counseling can involve detailed discussions about specific tests, family history analysis, and the implications of genetic findings for individuals and families.

Word Variants:

• Genetic Counselor (noun): A professional who provides genetic counseling.
• Genetics (noun): The study of genes and heredity.

Different Meanings:

• While "genetic counseling" specifically refers to guidance about genetic disorders, "genetics" broadly refers to the study of heredity and variation in living organisms.

Synonyms:

• Genetic advice
• Genetic consultation

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related directly to "genetic counseling," but you might hear phrases like "to weigh the options" when discussing the decisions parents have to make based on genetic information.

Summary:

In summary, genetic counseling is an important service for prospective parents to understand the potential genetic health risks for their future children.

Academic

Noun

1. guidance for prospective parents on the likelihood of genetic disorders in their future children