AFP Results

AimeeLori

So, the doctor just called and my AFP results came back with an elevated risk for Down's (1:150 instead of 1:300) She gave the 1:300 number as the normal stats for a woman my age (32). 

 I am waiting for a phone call to schedule my higher level ultrasound to look for markers.

Now, I'm wanting some piece of mind or any advice.  I looked at the high probability of false positives of this test and also know that they took the blood outside of the "optimal" range for testing (at almost 20 weeks instead of 16-18) and this can effect the results.  Obviously, for it to be a threat of Down's the AFP came back abnormally low instead of high.  This can also be affected by maternal weight as I was about 30 pounds overweight when I got pregnant.

 I'm really just freaking out and I know those results aren't horrific.  But, was wanting any advice as I REALLY don't want an amnio but if I know me, I will lose my mind by the end of this pregnancy if I don't go ahead and get one.

 What I thinking so far as they didn't find any markers at my "big" ultrasound (shortened femur, heart issues, or thickened neck) and if the higher level ultrasound shows no markers...I am going to let it ride and just pray my little heart out.

Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.

emaria

i think your results are probably based on testing outside the optimal range - why did they decide to do it at 20 weeks and did they mention that your results may be off because of it?

afg

I really don't have much advice but I would talk to your doctor about what it means to the results that the test was done outside of the optimal time span. 

I'd also do what would give you peace of mind - whether that's letting things be after your next u/s or going forward with the amnio. 

Good luck!

AimeeLori

My appointments got messed up due to something beyond their control.  I was set to go in a week earlier and had to postpone my appointment because my husband was out of town and the day they did the AFP was also the day they did my big ultrasound.  So, that's one reason why.  I also know that if I hadn't ASKED them about it, it would have been even later.

I had to call back after my big ultrasound appointment and inform them that while the nurse had told me that if I didn't get the AFP I would have to sign a waiver, I neither received the test or signed the waiver at the appointment.  They then had to schedule ANOTHER appointment a week later to do the AFP blood test.  So, that put it back 2-3 weeks. 

I will say that the doctor sounded happy that I understood why it could be lower and didn't immediately start freaking out...and she wasn't recommending an amnio yet-she just wanted a level II ultrasound. 

emaria

hmm well in that case i'm sure it's just a matter of timing. ?i know it's nerve-wracking because it's not what you expected but just hang in there and i'm sure you'll have good news next time!