Elevated AFP-UPDATE

nbgmom

I had my morph scan on Monday. Everything looked great per the tech, except for a choroid plexus cyst, which she said should go away on its own and appears to be isolated.

Yesterday, however, my office called to tell me that my blood work came back elevated as a positive screen for an open neural tube defect. They are referring me for a level 2 ultrasound, but I have to wait until the MFM office schedules it, so for who knows how long, I'm just playing a waiting game...
So I'm curious if anyone has any experience with this? I feel like the tech (30ish years of experience) would've seen if there was an open defect in his back, and the picture I have of his spine looks complete, but I don't read ultrasounds so who knows.

I'm not too concerned with the cyst, as the blood work did come back negative for trisomy 18 and 21

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Just got home. Everything is closed up and looking good. They said it is most likely a false elevation, but it can also possibly be a sign of a poorly functioning placenta, so I have to go back at 32 weeks to make sure his growth doesn't fall off. Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers!

Bluejay3030

Is a morph scan different terminology for the anatomy scan or something else? I haven't heard that description before.

I had a similar experience with my DD (who is now a healthy 2 year old). My bloodwork came back with elevated AFP and something like a 1:10 chance of a neural tube defect. I was fortunate because my anatomy scan was done by a MFM specialist who already had the blood test results and who pretty much was able to rule out spina bifida or other spinal defects on the spot, but if that hadn't been the case, I would have been in your exact situation.

I'm so sorry you have to play the waiting game. I think you're right to be optimistic if no abnormalities were noticed in the scan. FX for you and baby! I hope you don't have to wait too long to see an MFM.

nbgmom

Yes, I'm sorry. Anatomy scan/morphology scan is the same thing. Thanks for your reply! They called and scheduled it for Monday morning, so it won't be too long to wait. I had visions of having to wait weeks since it's the holidays and all that.

Bluejay3030

Glad you don't have long to wait! I hope it goes well!

avalentine81

I got similar news. I had my anatomy scan the same day I had the bloodworm. All looked good and then I got a call my bloodworm is borderline so I have to go for another ultrasound. I'm out of town for the holidays so I have to wait longer, hoping for the best for you.

Bltbear82

@nbgmom I had a similar issue last pregnancy with DS. My doctor had my blood redrawn two weeks later and I was within normal levels. I know it's difficult not to stress, but try to relax. My doctor told me at the time that the scan was great so that was a great sign, hopefully your situation turns out similarly. Thinking happy thoughts for you!

nbgmom

avalentine81 said:

I got similar news. I had my anatomy scan the same day I had the bloodworm. All looked good and then I got a call my bloodworm is borderline so I have to go for another ultrasound. I'm out of town for the holidays so I have to wait longer, hoping for the best for you.

Thanks for your kind words! Hoping the best for you as well!

nbgmom

Bump for update