Positive AFP for Downs

ms.teacher · December 2009

So the doctor called today with my AFP test results and our chance for Downs is 1 in 52. What he and I are both confused about is that the first trimester test results came back 1 in 400. We've had four ultrasounds already since I'm high risk for another reason and no other issues have been spotted. I know false negatives occur but what do you all think? I am out of town and can't have my follow-up ultrasound until January 7 which is a long time to wait!

Ginger · December 2009

It's most likely no big deal especially if they've already taken measurements.

Good luck and try not to worry.

ali_bl-nov05 · December 2009

If there are no other signs (soft markers) my completely uneducated guess is that it will be OK.

gmugrad9 · December 2009

1 in 52 while it is higher risk of a chance of Downs the results of 1 in 3 or I would think more of as a positive result.

I would not worry espeically if you have had ultrasounds where nothing has been spotted. These are just the odds of it happening not a definate yes or no.

I have know people who had results of 1 in 5 and there baby was fine where others who were 1 in 2000 had a child with Downs.

Just wait till you can talk with your doctor and just go by what the ultrasounds have told you so far.

rissa06 · December 2009

i know with my doctor is that they take all these tests together to get the numbers. . so the first blood test, the U/s and then the second blood test and that is where they get the numbers from. from that result is has a 92% chance of being correct and a 8% chance of being wrong . . so, for example, our numbers make us unlikely, but we still have an 8% chance of having a baby with Downs at birth. .

i believe that they say . . that if you do get a positive result that an amino is the only way to rule it out or just wait until the baby is born. . . however, these tests aren't full proof method and you still have a huge chance of your chld being perfectly healthy . .

LaurelBee · December 2009

My dr said that he MUST offer the test to all his patenient under law, but aside from that, his personal opinion is that it makes people who get positives worry for no reason- usually their baby is completely healthy. Best wishes for a healthy baby and a quick next few weeks

stgn01 · December 2009

I think if none of the other tests and u/s picked up on anything, you have good reason to be hopeful. I know it's tough though.

KRISTA555 · December 2009

I agree, the chances are still really slim. Everything is probably fine.

My little brother (who I am very close to) has down's but my mom was of advanced maternal age when she had him. My parents were devastated when he was born, because they had no idea he would be born with down's.... but he is full of light and love, and leads a very happy life. A different life than the rest of us, but a good, fulfilled life with many friends. He is one of the happiest people you will ever meet. Not saying all this to say "shame on you for being worried"... because I would be upset if I had a positive test too... but I just wanted you to know that down's isn't a big scary bad wolf... and maybe it would help you not be TOO freaked out. KWIM?

But like I said, I agree with the PP's... false positives are really common.

l_elizabeth · December 2009

With no other markers, I'd ignore it.1in 52 is still really low. I am beginning to see why so many people opt out of these tests- it seems like all they do is make us worry. Your chances are like 1-2%, and the way I look at it, everyone has a 1-2% chance of their baby not being perfect.

I also think a lot of follow-ups reveal everything is ok. If it will make you feel better, get the amnio, but if it were me I'd forget about it.

mommyrenee · December 2009

im sorry, i know it must be scary. my friends came back 1:24 for trisomy 18 & she was devasted. she passed on the amnio since she was afraid of miscarrying. she started going to a high risk OB every 2 weeks & the u/s always looked good. her DD was born healthy.. perfect.

they say now that they are a 2 part test, they are more accurate. but there are still false +. good luck!

eastsidekitty · December 2009

I'm sorry you are going through this. How old are you? I would have an amnio personally, but it is a very personal choice.

ac_in_dc · December 2009

LaurelBee:
My dr said that he MUST offer the test to all his patenient under law, but aside from that, his personal opinion is that it makes people who get positives worry for no reason- usually their baby is completely healthy. Best wishes for a healthy baby and a quick next few weeks

This.

kaylaw05 · December 2009

Mine came back positive as well. Of course that test has so many false positives thats why you can't go soley off the test its self. I saw my high risk and he saw no markers. I go back for him to do a full anatomy scan and fetal echo. I would have thought your 1tm screen would have came back +. Just keep your head up and try not to worry (especially w/ the holidays) Stay positive! I know its hard but you can't stress out its not good for baby

ms.teacher · December 2009

eastsidekitty:
I'm sorry you are going through this. How old are you? I would have an amnio personally, but it is a very personal choice.

I'm 28, will be 29 when baby is born. We probably won't do an amnio though because I'm on Lovenox injections for a blood clotting disorder. My doctor says the amnio could put me at an even greater risk and he isn't ready to talk to about it until the next ultrasound.

Thanks everyone for all the kind words. I know it's in God's hands and we'll deal with whatever child He gives us. It's still hard not to dwell on it when I thought I would just be consumed with all the good things Christmas brings right now!

g8trkim · December 2009

There are definitely false positives. A lot more than there should be. I've had 3 friends with positive results and they all had healthy babies. You still have a 51/52 chance that baby will be healthy so look at it that way.

Jasmine1082 · December 2009

were you about to see the nasal bone in the profile? Most DS babies do not have a nasal bone present in US. GL I hope everything works out ok. My aunt had a first tri screen that came back at like 1 in 20 and her DD is just fine and super cute!

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