Genetic Counseling & Prenatal Testing

Receiving a "high-risk" screening result can be overwhelming. We are here to replace fear with facts, offering the most advanced genetic testing and compassionate guidance to help you make informed decisions for your family.

You Are Not Alone on This Journey

Genetics can be incredibly complex. When a routine ultrasound or a Double Marker test flags a potential abnormality, the anxiety is immediate. As a Fetal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Kunda Shahane's role is to act as your translator, your advocate, and your medical guide. We take the time to sit with you, explain exactly what the numbers mean without the terrifying medical jargon, and provide a clear roadmap forward.

Important Note: A "Screening Test" (like a Double or Quad Marker) only tells you the probability or risk of a condition. It is NOT a diagnosis. A high-risk result simply means we need to look closer.

Our Advanced Diagnostic Toolkit

We utilize the latest global advancements in prenatal genetics to provide you with definitive answers.

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NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)

A revolutionary, completely safe maternal blood test. During pregnancy, tiny pieces of the baby's DNA cross into the mother's bloodstream. NIPT analyzes this cell-free DNA to screen for chromosomal conditions with extraordinary accuracy.

Can be performed as early as 10 weeks.
Zero risk to the baby (simple blood draw).
Over 99% accurate for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).
Screens for Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, and sex chromosome anomalies.

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Biochemical Screening (Double / Quad Marker)

Standard maternal blood tests combined with your NT Ultrasound scan. These tests measure specific proteins and hormones in the mother's blood to calculate the statistical risk of chromosomal abnormalities or neural tube defects.

Double Marker: Done between 11-14 weeks.
Quadruple Marker: Done between 15-20 weeks.
Results are combined with Dr. Kunda's scan data for an accurate FMF risk assessment.

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Diagnostic Testing (Amniocentesis & CVS)

If an ultrasound or NIPT shows a high risk, we move from "screening" to "diagnosis." These are specialized procedures where we collect actual fetal cells to give you a 100% definitive "Yes" or "No" answer.

CVS: Placental biopsy performed between 11-14 weeks.
Amniocentesis: Amniotic fluid test performed after 15 weeks.
Advanced Microarray testing maps the baby's entire genetic blueprint.
Read our full guide on these procedures →

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Pre-Conception & Carrier Counseling

For couples planning a family who have a known family history of a genetic disorder, or couples who have experienced recurrent unexplained miscarriages. We help assess the genetic risks before you even conceive.

Parental Carrier Screening (Karyotyping).
Counseling for consanguineous marriages (marriage between relatives).
Planning for IVF with PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing).

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Central India's Genetic Challenges: Sickle Cell & Thalassemia

The Vidarbha region and Central India have a significantly higher prevalence of hemoglobinopathies, particularly Sickle Cell Trait and Thalassemia Minor. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance the baby could inherit the severe form of the disease. Dr. Kunda Shahane provides specialized carrier screening, early prenatal diagnosis (via CVS), and expert counseling specifically tailored to the genetic realities of our local population.

How We Support You

The Assessment

We review your entire medical history, previous scan reports, and family pedigree. Dr. Kunda will perform a detailed Level II or NT scan using the GE Voluson AI to verify the physical markers herself.

The Translation

We sit down in a private, comfortable setting. Dr. Kunda explains your risk ratios (e.g., what "1 in 50" actually means) in plain language, detailing all available testing options, the costs, the timelines, and the limitations of each.

The Support & Decision

We do not make the decision for you; we empower you with facts. Whether you choose to proceed with an Amniocentesis, opt for NIPT, or decide against further testing, we support your choice completely and plan the rest of your pregnancy care accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NIPT better than a Double Marker test?

Yes, significantly. While the Double Marker test detects about 85-90% of Down syndrome cases with a 5% false-positive rate, NIPT detects over 99% of cases with a false-positive rate of less than 0.1%. However, NIPT is more expensive, which is why counseling is important to decide the best path for your family.

Does a "Normal" NIPT mean my baby is 100% healthy?

No. NIPT specifically looks at the major chromosomes (Trisomy 21, 18, 13) and sex chromosomes. It does not test for every possible genetic disease, nor does it detect physical structural abnormalities like a heart defect or spina bifida. This is why a detailed Anomaly Scan at 20 weeks is still absolutely mandatory.

Do I need genetic testing if I have no family history of defects?

Yes, basic screening is recommended for everyone. The vast majority of chromosomal conditions (like Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21) are not inherited from parents; they are random, spontaneous errors that happen at the exact moment of conception. While the risk increases with maternal age (specifically after age 35), these random errors can occur in a pregnancy at any age.

What happens during a Genetic Counseling session?

Genetic counseling is a dedicated, unhurried conversation. Dr. Kunda will review your ultrasound scans, explain any "High Risk" blood test results in plain language, and map out your exact testing options. We do not make decisions for you; we empower you with the medical facts so you can make the safest choice for your family without pressure.

Are Amniocentesis and CVS painful or dangerous?

It is natural to be afraid of needles, but the procedure is much faster and more comfortable than most mothers expect—it often feels similar to a standard blood draw. Because Dr. Kunda is a highly trained Fetal Medicine Specialist, the needle is guided continuously by high-resolution ultrasound, keeping it completely away from the baby. In expert hands, the risk of miscarriage is incredibly low (less than 0.5%).

How long does it take to get the diagnostic results back?

We understand that waiting is agonizing. For major chromosomal issues (like Trisomy 13, 18, and 21), we can perform rapid testing (FISH or QF-PCR) which usually provides a highly accurate preliminary result within 3 to 4 days. The complete, detailed genetic map (Microarray/Karyotype) takes about 2 to 3 weeks to grow in the laboratory.

If we find a chromosomal issue, what happens next?

If an Amniocentesis or CVS confirms a genetic condition, Dr. Kunda will provide extensive, non-judgmental counseling regarding the prognosis, what life with the condition looks like, and the legal and medical options available to you, ensuring you are supported through whatever path you choose.

Find Clarity. Erase the Unknown.

Schedule a private genetic counseling session with Dr. Kunda Shahane to understand your unique pregnancy profile.

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