title: Genetic considerations for a woman's pre-conception evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To give health care providers information about the genetic information that can be used as part of health surveillance for women undergoing a pre-conception evaluation for genetic risk assessment and possible genetic screening or testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  This genetic information can be used for patient education and possible prenatal testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of this genetic information may allow improved risk-benefit assessment for pre-conception counselling for individual patients and their families.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed or Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched in November 2009, using appropriate key words (pre-conception, genetic disease, maternal, family history, genetic health risk, genetic health surveillance, prenatal screening, prenatal diagnosis, birth defects, and teratogen). Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, and national and international medical specialty societies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The benefits for the patient and her family include understanding of possible genetic risk and enhanced pregnancy outcomes. The harm includes increased anxiety or psychological stress associated with the possibility of identifying genetic risks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The evidence obtained was reviewed by the Genetics Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUMMARY STATEMENTS: A review of the current literature does not provide enough information for this committee opinion to present evidence-based recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Calgary, AB.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Douglas Wilson
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment