title: Prenatal diagnosis and congenital disease: role of the clinical nurse specialist.
abstract: Birth defects reflect the infant's genetic constitution and are generally divided into four major categories: multifactorial, single-gene, chromosomal, and environmental. The etiology of the specific disorder is directly related to its risk of occurrence/recurrence, which can be theoretically or specifically calculated. Suspicion of genetic disease in an unborn child is heightened by a history of disease in blood relatives and by the presence of multiple miscarriages and/or increased maternal age. Current prenatal screening tools include maternal/fetal sampling (tissue, cells, amniotic fluid) and fetal visualization. All these tests have specific complications and limitations. Families undergoing prenatal testing are likely to experience anxiety, which may continue throughout the pregnancy despite a diagnosis of an unaffected fetus. Such anxiety can interfere with attachment to the unborn child. The aware clinical nurse specialist is in a position to help all parents by providing clear and accurate information, sensitive emotional support, and by optimizing social support systems.
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Lemons
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brock
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*