AFP test? HELP

[jeninsfca]

Hi everyone,

I have had the lab slip for an AFP test since my last Dr.'s appointment and I just can't decide if I want to do this test. Now I'm running out of time, they want me to do it before 20 weeks, which is this Thursday.

I have read quite a bit about the test and it does seem to have a pretty high false positive rate. I had the nuchal scan with the blood test which came back wonderful. I had an in depth u/s (not sure if it was classified as level II, but they measured the brain, looked at the spinal column, kidneys, aorta, counted fingers, toes, etc) and the Dr. said everything was "excellent". I just turned 35 but the baby was created during an IVF cycle when I had just turned 32. I feel in my heart that this baby is just fine. She's strong enough that DH felt her little kicks right through my belly last night!

If I get this AFP test and it comes back positive, the only way to rule out problems is to do an amnio, which I really, really don't want to do.

I would love to hear your opinions. Have any of you had the AFP? Or decided against it?

Thanks.

[LynnUS]

Hi!
I decided to forego the AFP test for precisely the reasons you mentioned ie: the nuchal came out great and there are a high % of false positives on the AFP.
I REALLY wasn't gonna do an amnio anyway so I just bit the bullet and decided to scrap the AFP--and I'm 42!

I totally understand your ambivalence but I think your decision is a sound one.


Lynn

[wintak]

Hi

I did the nuchal which, like yours, came back fine. I did have the Level 2 u/s and everything looked fine...they saw all the bones they are supposed to see etc.

I was totally against the amnio and the last u/s I had confirmed it. I am against it because, although I usually play the odds, I was not willing to risk a 1/400 chance that I would be the 1 that miscarried.

But it's a very personal decision. I know my older friends who DID have the afp and the u/s recommended it but I said..no.,

Amy

[flea]

Hey Jen!
I know it's confusing and a difficult decision to make! My genetic counselor put my mind at ease a little by saying "you can also decide again after your level 2". I had discussed the results with an OB and he agreed that they sounded good.

Then at the level 2, I had a specialist doctor come in and he agreed again. Just to be sure, I asked "so you really don't think I need an amnio?" and he said that I had been through too much to get here - so why risk it.

The decision is completely yours...but I have to say that your post was "selling" the reasons why you don't have to do it. Maybe you've made up your mind but want some reassurance???

Good luck sweetie!

[punky]

Hi Jen...I had the nuchal scan (great results) and still opted for ther maternal single screen AFP (not the triple or quad screen- not necessary since we did the nuchal). I only took it because I got frustrated with all the tests being offered and decided to take everything, including HIV which I knew 1000000% I did not have.
I got my AFP results and everything came back great. If you feel in your heart that everything is fine, and you know everything you've done is great, and your sister's children are great, then don't do it. Getting the AFP was no big deal to me and it didn't make that big of a difference to me...I am sure if it had come back with a positive, I would feel different.

It is personal but you sound like you've made your personal choice...

Good luck!!

[Lindey]

i have also heard that you can get false positives and negatives, so in my opinion, what on earth is the point of it??? you will never 100% know whether the test is accurate or not, i have always chosen not to bother for the exact same reasons you mentioned.

[sarahp]

hi jen...
i decided not to have the AFP done. there were too many false positives, and even if the result was positive, i wouldn't have an amnio done (too scary for me). so it wasn't a hard decision for me....but i can see why it would be. it's scary enough knowing what the test might show, nevermind knowing it might be a false result!
good luck in making your decision...my only advice is to follow your heart!
sarah

[Aleks]

I also decided against it. I heard too many false positives and I would not do an amnio anyways, just like you. I still have my requisition in my purse but I have already decided against it. I am waiting for my u/s next week to get reasured where you already had yours and everyting looks great. Why put yourself through unnecessary stress.

Aleks

[bigyellowdog98]

Jen

We had the AFP with dd and luckily it came back negative - I'm not sure what I'd have done if it was the other way around. With this pregnancy we declined both the amnio and the AFP. I figure I would not terminate the pregnancy even if it was bad news so why bother. I do agree it is a tough decision and a very personal one. Go with your gut.

[jeninsfca]

Thank you all so much. It is a personal choice, and a tough one, so I am really grateful for you sharing your own opinions and choices with me. It really helps.

I don't think I'll have the test done and I don't feel worried about it at all. Must be the right decsion.

Thanks again!