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2nd Trimester
normal NT scan but low AFP?
I had the NT scan done at 13 weeks and the sonographer said that my measurements were well within normal limits. Then I find out that my hgc levels were low and they wanted to repeat them. So, on repeat at the AFP+ screen the AFP is borderline low at 2.1:-( Has anyone had this situation and everything be fine? I am thinking that since the measurements of the u/s were really good and given the high false positive rates of the AFP screen that this is really nothing? Help!
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Re: normal NT scan but low AFP?
I just went through this. I ended up having to get a Level II ultrasound and an amnio (opted for the 48 hour FISH results) and it turns out the baby is totally normal.
I've decided that I HATE the AFP test because of this. It has a lot of false positives. I spent the last week crying because they told me low AFP levels indicated Downs. I just got my FISH results yesterday.
You can get some pretty good information on the babycenter "prenatal testing" board about that. I posted on the thebump about it (even on special needs) and there just wasnt' much information.
I also know that the NT test is tons more reliable than the AFP test. AND, if the doctor is any half a week off on the due date they give to the lab, your results can show up "low" or "high" on the AFP test. They vary that much during pregnancy.
Did they give you any probabilities on chromosomal disorders, or just get you to repeat the test?
Ok, then your AFP was high (if risk for chromosomal disorders is low and rish for spina bifada is higher that's what I've discovered in the last week). My AFP was low.
Check and make sure they have your due date correct (the one they sent to the lab).
When you go for your follow up ultrasound they will do a lot of measurements and make sure the spine is closed. They will check the baby's growth and your placenta. If all this is fine, I would relax. They can easily find neural tube defects, etc with higher level ultrasounds. I went with the amnio because markers for down's don't show up on ultrasounds at times.
If you had a good NT scan everything I've read says that test is way more reliable at diagnosing these conditions than that AFP test. They'll tell you the AFP only has a five percent false positive, but other medical articles I've found quote it as high as 30%. They are looking at moving away from that test because it causes so much unneeded worry.
I know its difficult, but there is a 99.5% chance that there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING wrong.
Thems totally great odds! I'd bet on them every time!
I would call and see if you could get your follow up ultrasound at an earlier date if it would help your peice of mind. I did that and ended up getting on the cancellation list and getting in the next day. Its truly better than ten days of worry!!! If you have any questions just let me know (I've read TONS about this in the past week!!)
Your AFP would have to be high for it to indicate an increased risk for Open Neural Tube Defects, such as Spina Bifida. Right now I'm going through all this too. I am waiting on Tricare to get my civilian referral in so I can see a genetics counselor and get my Level II ultrasound. I'm not doing amnio till that ultrasound is done.
Don't be surprised if your dates are off. I argued with my OB office that they weren't calculating my dates right because I have extremely short and irregular periods.
Right now my risk is 1 in 75 for Open Neural Tube defects. But I have been told it could be due to my dates being off or the fact that they missed a twin at a very early ultrasound. I wouldn't be surprised by either.
Try to be calm about it all. I'm a nervous wreck too. So feel free to message me if you ever just want to talk.
Thanks ladies! I am going to call monday to try to get an earlier u/s b/c this is freaking me out! I am confused b/c most of the articles I find discuss high AFP results pointing towards chromosomal problems and low pointing towards NTD. I'm pretty upset right now and obviously can't do much about it. Trying to distract myself with house work but it's not working :-(
The woman I spoke to seems to think everything is okay based on my NT scan that that is probably more likely to be a lower birth weright which she said is fine. I just freak out when I read the articles of spina bifida and encephaly:-( This stinks!
I know it's difficult. I spent the last week freaking out myself! Getting on that cancellation list was the best thing I did.
Just think of it as getting extra looks at your baby!
After everything I've read, I trust the NT scan way more than this blood test. It doesn't do ANYTHING but give you a "probability"...its just not a sound test.
If it helps google "AFP test results false positives" and you will probably find a ton of stories that help you out more than googling spina bifida and encephaly!!! I found a ton of women going through this and 90% had no issues after either a Level II ultrasound or an amnio.