About HemophiliaTreatment Centers
Ways A Treatment Center Can Help
If hemophilia affects your life, one of your best resources for genetic counseling is the nearest treatment center. Today, the network consists of approximately 140 treatment centers.1 Treatment centers may offer a variety of genetics-related services, including:
- Genetic testing
- Genetic counseling
- Carrier screening
- Early disease identification
- Education
- Coordinated care
The treatment center team can provide support from the beginning – in many cases, even before a child is born. Treatment center staff can begin genetic counseling for families of people with hemophilia to identify potential carriers. Women who are possible carriers of hemophilia could then choose to undergo genetic testing before pregnancy.
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Hemophilia, Genetics & Pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, knowing her hemophilia carrier status in advance can help her and the treatment center staff prepare for the delivery of the child. The treatment center can make specific recommendations to the obstetrician.
For example, treatment center staff can advise the mother to have an ultrasound to determine the sex of the baby. If it's a boy, treatment center staff can closely monitor the pregnancy and recommend helpful tests, such as obtaining a sample of the child's cord blood.
Treatment center staff also can discuss post-delivery considerations. For example, circumcision carries a risk of bleeding in boys with hemophilia.
The resources, education, and support you'll find at your treatment center make it one of the first places you should visit to learn more about genetic counseling – or any aspect of living with hemophilia.
Note: ThereForYou.com does not recommend a particular treatment for specific individuals and recommends that you consult your treatment center or physician before pursuing any course of treatment.
References
- Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/HTC.html. Accessed June 8, 2011.
