Prenatal Screening AFP test??

Jennifer - posted on 04/07/2010

This test was never mentioned to me at all during my first pregnancy. At our level 2 they saw a "shadow", a marker for down syndrome and promptly hurried me down the hall to genetic counseling and scheduled an amnio. Because I waited longer than I should have to schedule the level 2 I was days away from the "termination" cutoff so they got me rapid results within 48 hours and then the full gambit of results came back weeks later. In the end my son was perfect, no issues at all. I don't know that I would have terminated regardless of the outcome. In any event I will probably opt for every test available to me just so I can be as best prepared should in fact something be "wrong".

Laura - posted on 04/04/2010

At my last visit with the High risk GYN, he notified me that we would begin my babies testing at 16wks, he is encouraging the that I recieve all prenatal testing for this baby. Diabetic mommies babies are more prone to heart conditions, and spinal bifida. As I said in my previous post though all invasive tests will be declined.

Kate - posted on 03/29/2010

I did the test with my first 2 children. It was done because my doctor told me it was important to know the risk of having a child with spina bifida, because it would change how I delivered. When I had it with baby #2, the risk of down syndrome was elevated, and caused all sorts of worry.

When I had my third child, I declined the test. I had an ultrasound at 20 weeks that gave me a good indicator of my risk of spina bifida, but didn't cause undue worry about down syndrome.

This time, I'm declining all invasive testing. I will have an ultrasound at 20 weeks and will do the test for GBS. That's all. I love having a midwife who supports my decision not to be poked and prodded during my entire pregnancy!

Veronica - posted on 03/29/2010

With my first I honestly didn't have a clue about it. The Dr. asked if I wanted the test done, I asked what it would tell, and they told me basically the clipped version you wrote so I said yes. Everything came back looking fine, so it wasn't until much later that I found out that if it had come back pos. I would have had a long wait before more testing could be done, or that it could mean nothing!! This time I'll have it done and hope for the best. We'll deal with everything as its handed to us. Like you, no matter what they find this is my child and will always be my child!!

Laura - posted on 03/26/2010

Sarah-

When I was pregnant with my son no one mentioned this test until the very last minute, I was on the verge of being unable to have it proformed. With diabetes it puts your baby at a higher risk for spinal defects. So my fiance and I decided to have the work up done. His test came back with elevated levels for spinal defects. They did a detailed ultrasound of his spine (it took a good hour!) Only to tell me that his spine was fine.

I also know that my mom when she was pregnant with my youngest sister had elevated AFP results, only because they had her due date wrong! I know that they must have the exact due date or it throws the levels off.

If I was in your shoes I would go ahead and have the test done, the after math for spinal defects are not as invassive as they are for Downs. I am going to have it done again with this pregnancy. Only if they want me to have and amnio done I will refuse. I can't lose this baby...

I hope this helps!
Laura

Mel - posted on 03/25/2010

Hi Sarah,



I've never had to have AFP screening, but I'm like you, even if I knew that I had a child with some sort of birth defect, I couldn't bring myself to terminate the pregnancy. I actually had this discussion with my husband the other night, and he said that he would totally support that decision. He used to teach a boy with cystic fibrosis and he said that it was amazing how much this boy packed into his 14 short years of life. My husband said that he felt so fortunate to have known this boy and that he feels that his life is richer for having known him.



I think you should go with your instinct on this one, and if your instinct tells you not to do the testing, don't let your doctor bully you into it. You have your own reasons for not wanting to do the testing and I think they are ones that make sense.