Genetic Testing and Counselling

Genetic testing and counselling give expectant parents vital information about their baby’s health.

What is genetic counselling?

Genetic counselling is a consultation with a healthcare professional trained in both genetics and counselling. Your genetic counsellor helps you understand your risk of passing on inherited conditions, explains what tests such as carrier screening or NIPT can (and cannot) tell you, and supports you in interpreting the results.

At London Pregnancy Clinic, genetic counselling is delivered by the genetic counsellors of our partner Jeen Health, working alongside our fetal medicine specialists — in person at our City clinic or online from the comfort of your home.

Couple receiving genetic counselling at London Pregnancy Clinic

Why is genetic counselling relevant during or before pregnancy?

Before pregnancy, genetic counselling helps you plan: carrier screening is best done pre-conception, when you have the widest range of options, and a counsellor can assess your family history and advise whether testing would be informative for you as a couple.

During pregnancy, decisions can be time-sensitive. If a screening result shows an increased chance, or a scan raises a question, genetic counselling helps you understand what the result actually means, what the next steps are, and how reliable any further testing would be — so you can make informed decisions without pressure.

Whether you are planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, or processing a test result, our genetic counsellors work with you before and after testing, with clear, compassionate support.

What does an appointment entail?

We take a holistic approach to fetal genetic health. First, we offer pre-test genetic counselling via Jeen Health, explaining the pros and cons of various genetic screening tests that you may be considering. These may include: carrier screening, various NIPT options, or other bespoke tests for your particular scenario.

You will be under no pressure to have any genetic testing as a result of a consultation. If you opt for a test which reveals any unusual or abnormal findings, we provide detailed counselling to explain the results and plan the next steps. Finally, if there is any indication of a genetic syndrome, our fetal medicine experts perform ultrasound scans for fetal phenotype.

These scans assess the baby’s physical characteristics to predict the severity of the condition.

The London Pregnancy Clinic offers comprehensive genetic services, ensuring early detection of genetic conditions and providing information about your baby’s genetic health with the help of Jeen Health.

3D ultrasound of a 10-week baby with DNA illustration — genetic testing and counselling at London Pregnancy Clinic

Newborn genetic screening

Genetic support doesn’t end at birth. We offer newborn genetic screening — advanced DNA testing that looks for serious early-onset genetic conditions that may not be obvious in a newborn. The service is led by our genetic counsellors, who guide you through choosing the right test and explain the results, with clinical genetics input available where a result needs specialist medical review.

Why Choose Our Clinic?

Expertise

Jeen’s team includes highly professional geneticists with extensive prenatal genetics experience

Comprehensive Care

We offer the broadest spectrum of pre-conceptional and antenatal genetic screening services in London

State-of-the-Art Technology

We use the latest genetic testing and human genomics advancements for accurate and timely results. We are constantly updated regarding the tests’ performance

Global Collaboration

We directly collaborate with the most advanced international genetic labs, reducing tests turnaround time and costs for patients

Advanced Ultrasound Scans

If the test results are positive, we can perform thorough scans for your baby to identify any genetic markers

Supportive Environment

We provide compassionate counselling to help you navigate genetic information’s emotional and practical aspects

Flexible Appointments

Appointments are available online (Video/Phone) or face-to-face, call us if you need an urgent counselling

Trusted and Top-Rated

5* rated service on Google, Trustpilot & Doctify

Genetic Counselling Services

At London Pregnancy Clinic, we commit to providing personalised and compassionate genetic counselling tailored to your unique needs. We offer various types of genetic counselling to suit different requirements through Jeen Health. Contact us today to learn more about our genetic counselling services and discover how we can support you throughout your pregnancy journey.

Quick, Targeted Support

30-minute genetic counselling

Our 30-minute genetic counselling session is ideal for those seeking quick yet expert advice on specific genetic concerns. Whether you’re looking for clarity on genetic tests or help interpreting your results, our experienced counsellors provide clear and actionable guidance. Book this session if you need pre-test counselling for NIPT or carrier screening, help interpreting genetic test results, support with understanding Down syndrome test outcomes, and guidance on further testing or treatment options. 30 min appointment.

Comprehensive, Personalised Support

60-minute genetic counselling

Our 60-minute genetic counselling session offers an in-depth, face-to-face review of your genetic concerns. This session provides detailed, tailored advice on your family’s medical history and hereditary risks, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and pregnancy. Book this session if you need a comprehensive review of your family’s medical history and hereditary risks, personalised advice on genetic tests like NIPT and carrier screening, and preconception counselling to assess genetic risks before trying to conceive. 60 min appointment.

In the Comfort of Your Home

Online genetic counselling

Our online genetic counselling sessions provide personalised, expert guidance without the need to leave your home. Whether you need quick answers or a comprehensive review, we offer flexible options to suit your needs. Choose between our 30-minute and 60-minute sessions for tailored support on genetic tests, family history, and hereditary risks. 30-60 min appointment. Online 30 Min £80 / Online 60 Min £140.

Genetic Screening Tests

London Pregnancy Clinic offers a wide range of advanced and effective genetic screening tests. The best time for carrier screening is before pregnancy; for NIPT, it is at 10 gestational weeks. Our tests cover various types of genetic conditions. We only support testing with a pre-test appointment with a genetics clinician. They will guide you and help you select the best test for your needs and requirements.

Carrier Screening Tests

Beacon One+ is one of the most advanced carrier screening tests, detecting a wide variety of severe autosomal recessive and X-linked genetic conditions. We only support testing with a pre-test appointment with a genetics clinician. If a genetic condition is found, post-test counselling is included in the price. We also recommend that both parents undergo simultaneous carrier screening testing. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of potential genetic risks.

SMART Test NIPT

SMART Test NIPT is the most advanced NIPT and scan package in the world. It’s our signature test for parents wanting detailed knowledge about their baby’s health without invasive testing risks. We offer two genetic packages: SMART Test KNOVA, performed by a leading US lab (Fulgent), and SMART Test Genoma, performed by a top European lab (Eurofins). Genetic counselling before the SMART test is essential to understand its advantages and limitations. This ensures you make an informed decision about your baby’s health.

Basic NIPT

NIPT is the gold standard for screening common chromosomal anomalies (like Down syndrome). We offer two basic NIPTs: PrenatalSafe UK3, performed by the UK-based lab Eurofins, and Panorama AI, done by the US lab Natera. Panorama AI includes an extended basic panel and provides additional screening for sex chromosome aneuploidies and 22q deletion. Genetic counselling before NIPT is advisable to understand its pros and cons. This helps you make an informed decision about your baby’s health.

Meet our genetics team

Genetic counselling and clinical genetics at London Pregnancy Clinic are delivered with Jeen Health. You can read more about the clinicians you may meet — or see the whole team on our About page.

Ms Ailidh Watson

Ms Ailidh Watson

Lead Genetic Counsellor. Registered genetic counsellor with specialist interests in prenatal care, supporting patients across carrier screening, NIPT and newborn screening.

Dr Harry Leitch

Dr Harry Leitch

Consultant Clinical Geneticist. Doctor-led input for complex results, unexplained symptoms and hereditary conditions, including clinical genetics consultations.

Your questions answered

What conditions can a genetic counsellor help with?

Genetic counsellors specialise in conditions that can be inherited, such as Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis. They also assist individuals with a family history of genetic disorders or those who have undergone genetic testing and need to interpret the results. Their goal is to provide clarity and support in navigating genetic risks and health options.

Is genetic counselling covered by insurance?

In many cases, genetic counselling is covered by health insurance, especially when there is a medical necessity, such as a family history of genetic disorders or if a pregnancy is at high risk. It’s important to check with your healthcare provider or insurance company to confirm coverage before scheduling an appointment.

Do you offer any clinical geneticist appointments at London Pregnancy Clinic?

Yes. London Pregnancy Clinic offers clinical geneticist consultations for families who want specialist medical input, especially when there are symptoms, ultrasound findings, or a known family history. A clinical geneticist is a medical doctor who can assess medical history, review results, and (where appropriate) perform a physical examination to look for patterns that may suggest a specific genetic condition. They can also recommend the most suitable tests and provide a clear management and follow-up plan.

There is a slight difference between a geneticist and a genetic counsellor. A clinical geneticist is a physician who can examine, diagnose, and manage medical care. A genetic counsellor is a highly trained specialist who helps you understand genetic risks, what a test can and can’t tell you, and what results may mean for your family. Counsellors are ideal if you want help deciding what to do next or support processing results. Geneticists are best when a medical assessment and management plan are needed.

Contact

Do you want to know more about your options of genetic services?

Send us an enquiry

A clinician will reply within one working day.

For urgent matters please call 020 3687 2939.

Sources & clinical references

The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.

  1. NHSScreening for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome2024
  2. Royal College of Obstetricians and GynaecologistsNon-invasive Prenatal Testing for Chromosomal Abnormality using Maternal Plasma DNA (Scientific Impact Paper No. 15)2014
  3. NHS England Genomics Education Programme (GeNotes)Roles in clinical genetics — Knowledge Hub
  4. NHSNewborn blood spot test2025
  5. MedlinePlus Genetics, US National Library of MedicineWhat are the uses of genetic testing?