1.	A person knows of a genetic disease in the family.
2.	A couple has given birth to a child with a genetic disease, birth defect, or chromosomal abnormality.
3.	A couple has a child who is intellectually disabled or has a close relative who is intellectually disabled.
4.	An older woman becomes pregnant or wants to become pregnant. There is disagreement about the age at which a prospective mother who has no other risk factor should seek genetic counseling; many experts suggest that it should be age 35 or older.
5.	Husband and wife are closely related (e.g., first cousins).
6.	A couple experiences difficulties achieving a successful pregnancy.
7.	A pregnant woman is concerned about exposure to an environmental substance (drug, chemical, or virus) that causes birth defects.
8.	A couple needs assistance in interpreting the results of a prenatal or other test.
9.	Both prospective parents are known carriers for a recessive genetic disease or both belong to an ethnic group with a high frequency of a genetic disease.