Has anyone had an AFP screen?

missnacholover · June 2014

My results came back "elevated". Not too high (they want you under 2.5, I was 2.71) but high enough for concern. Since I have Type 1 Diabetes, she said my threshold should be a little lower than 2.5 too, but she didn't give me an exact number of what my target should be. So I'm not sure if I'm just a little high or super high.

Apparently high AFP is a marker for neural tube defects. Like the NT scan it kind of just means that I need extra testing to see what's what and that my chances of having a baby with a NTD are a little higher. The woman I spoke to said that essentially they have gone from 1% to 2%, but we'll know more with more testing. They are moving up my A/S to Friday, however I'm trying to get in earlier so I'm not a ball of nerves all week. If the U/S is inconclusive the next step would be deciding if we want an amnio.

Anyway, T&Ps are appreciated, as well as any insight/stories you may have. The woman I spoke to said that my elevated numbers may be for a whole variety of reasons, but still, I googled and am slightly freaking out.

mander82 · June 2014

I cannot help, but wanted to add some T & P's for you, hopefully they can confirm there is nothing wrong at the ultrasound. It does sound scary.

My insurance said they wouldn't cover the 1st Tri screening, so I didn't have it done.....now I have to call and see if they will cover the Quad screening. My dr. said there are 4 parts, and one is the AFP. She said its just bloodwork, so the insurance should cover it. She said this screening was all they used to do for everyone, before the First Tri screening became available.

Keep us posted, hopefully they can get you in sooner so that you don't have to stress all week.

MalachiteDrake · June 2014

I'm in the same boat, but I won't get my A/S scan until 6/16 (which is after my mini-vacation with my husband, so I'm gonna be a bit down for it

). I didn't get my numbers, just that they were "high". For myself, it's very unlikely that the dating of the pregnancy is wrong - I was charting, and the two ultrasounds we've had so far have given the same dating. I'm hoping that it's one of the 90+% "eh, we don't know why but the baby is fine" reasons for having an elevated AFP, but I'm still worried.

Let us know how things go Friday! ((hugs))

mamathompson7 · June 2014

I have experience with this....I tell you all of this b/c YES my AFP was high, and it was not something to just brush off, but in the end ( I mean the very end, b/c we had a host of problems) my girl is amazing

I had a high AFP 4.07, and actually my new OB explained an elevated AFP to be more consistent with poor pregnancy outcome. Not necessarily fatal, but poor placental health, early labor, etc.

I did an amnio b/c at my anatomy scan the baby had not grown and was behind 2.5 weeks, I had murky fluid, I had NO fluid (we are talking 2 cm), and the baby had echogenic bowels and 3 echogenic foci on the heart. Combined with the elevated AFP (which came back high during the amnio as well as the 16 week screening), we were advised that we should probably terminate b/c this all pointed to chromosomal abnormalities and window for termination was closing.

We did the amnio, and all chromosomes came back normally, but did not rule out neural tube defects.

We were pretty well set on accepting that our baby most likely had spina bifida, BUT the high risk doctor said that a level 2 ultrasound (basically just a better machine), is a MUCH better tool in looking for this. They scrutinized her spine and she had no spina bifida.

My girl is perfect.

My AFP did indicate a poor pregnancy outcome, though, as my new doctor has explained, the placenta was not great, and did not do its job the best that it could, in then end it detached during labor, and we were rushed to an emergency c-section.

missnacholover · June 2014

kyliedaniellexx said:

I have no personal experience, but I believe the most common reason for elevated AFP levels is inaccurate dating of the pregnancy. Is this at all possible in your case? T&P, I hope you get some answers soon.

No, I don't think so. I was temping and my ovulation date is on par with what ultrasounds have been saying.

DoubleUp8 · June 2014

Oh, that reminds me I need to have my blood draw for this test. I hope everything goes well on Friday. I am having my anatomy scan on Friday morning, and I think @catlady22 is having hers on Friday as well. I will be thinking of both of you! Hopefully, we can all AW good news!

missnacholover · June 2014

MalachiteDrake said:

I'm in the same boat, but I won't get my A/S scan until 6/16 (which is after my mini-vacation with my husband, so I'm gonna be a bit down for it ). I didn't get my numbers, just that they were "high". For myself, it's very unlikely that the dating of the pregnancy is wrong - I was charting, and the two ultrasounds we've had so far have given the same dating. I'm hoping that it's one of the 90+% "eh, we don't know why but the baby is fine" reasons for having an elevated AFP, but I'm still worried.

Let us know how things go Friday! ((hugs))

Yes, the woman said that most times it means nothing and is just randomly high, but of course they have to follow up. Fingers are crossed for you!!

missnacholover · June 2014

mamathompson7 said:

I have experience with this....I tell you all of this b/c YES my AFP was high, and it was not something to just brush off, but in the end ( I mean the very end, b/c we had a host of problems) my girl is amazing

I had a high AFP 4.07, and actually my new OB explained an elevated AFP to be more consistent with poor pregnancy outcome. Not necessarily fatal, but poor placental health, early labor, etc.

I did an amnio b/c at my anatomy scan the baby had not grown and was behind 2.5 weeks, I had murky fluid, I had NO fluid (we are talking 2 cm), and the baby had echogenic bowels and 3 echogenic foci on the heart. Combined with the elevated AFP (which came back high during the amnio as well as the 16 week screening), we were advised that we should probably terminate b/c this all pointed to chromosomal abnormalities and window for termination was closing.

We did the amnio, and all chromosomes came back normally, but did not rule out neural tube defects.

We were pretty well set on accepting that our baby most likely had spina bifida, BUT the high risk doctor said that a level 2 ultrasound (basically just a better machine), is a MUCH better tool in looking for this. They scrutinized her spine and she had no spina bifida.

My girl is perfect.

My AFP did indicate a poor pregnancy outcome, though, as my new doctor has explained, the placenta was not great, and did not do its job the best that it could, in then end it detached during labor, and we were rushed to an emergency c-section.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Did you go full term? I'm so glad your girl is healthy and happy!

Maelara · June 2014

T&Ps

ProcessofBecoming · June 2014

I did have the screen done, but all they told me was that it was negative. I normally ask for actual numbers, but I've been so stressed lately that I took the "negative" and ran with it. I wish I knew more about the test itself, but I am pretty clueless. To me, it sounds like your numbers are just above where they should be, but I wish the nurse would have given you the target values specific to your diabetes. So sorry that you have to worry about this, but glad that your A/S is so soon--are you having a Level II A/S? If not, you might want to request that with a MFM (although you might already be seeing an MFM). T&P to you.

missnacholover · June 2014

ProcessofBecoming said:

I did have the screen done, but all they told me was that it was negative. I normally ask for actual numbers, but I've been so stressed lately that I took the "negative" and ran with it. I wish I knew more about the test itself, but I am pretty clueless. To me, it sounds like your numbers are just above where they should be, but I wish the nurse would have given you the target values specific to your diabetes. So sorry that you have to worry about this, but glad that your A/S is so soon--are you having a Level II A/S? If not, you might want to request that with a MFM (although you might already be seeing an MFM). T&P to you.

I'm not sure if it's a Level II. They said it is replacing my A/S that was already scheduled. Are all A/S level II?

Clueless, party of one.

ProcessofBecoming · June 2014

I have only ever been treated as a "high risk" patient, so for me, I had a Level II anatomy scan with my son and will have one with this baby. A Level II ultrasound is done on a machine that can see the baby in greater detail--the ultrasound machine that my MFM has is almost rocket ship-like with all the bells and whistles, and gets way better images than the ultrasound machines at my oby/gyn's office. To give you an example. with my son, at like 32 weeks (or somewhere around there), my ultrasound techs at the oby's office were all worried because they said my son wasn't taking "practice breaths" in utero, and had me completely flipped out. They sent me to the MFM, and on their Level II machines, they could totally see him taking practice breaths and couldn't figure out how my oby's office couldn't see the same. It was crazy.

Maybe you can ask your doctor what sort of machines they have, and if it would be worth it, for you, to go to see an MFM for a Level II A/S, given your test results? That is what I would do. You deserve that peace of mind, and I'm sure your oby would be amenable to it.

mockingjay1 · June 2014

Sending you T&Ps that everything is ok. FX you can get in sooner than Friday.

mamathompson7 · June 2014

missnacholover said:

mamathompson7 said:

I have experience with this....I tell you all of this b/c YES my AFP was high, and it was not something to just brush off, but in the end ( I mean the very end, b/c we had a host of problems) my girl is amazing

I had a high AFP 4.07, and actually my new OB explained an elevated AFP to be more consistent with poor pregnancy outcome. Not necessarily fatal, but poor placental health, early labor, etc.

I did an amnio b/c at my anatomy scan the baby had not grown and was behind 2.5 weeks, I had murky fluid, I had NO fluid (we are talking 2 cm), and the baby had echogenic bowels and 3 echogenic foci on the heart. Combined with the elevated AFP (which came back high during the amnio as well as the 16 week screening), we were advised that we should probably terminate b/c this all pointed to chromosomal abnormalities and window for termination was closing.

We did the amnio, and all chromosomes came back normally, but did not rule out neural tube defects.

We were pretty well set on accepting that our baby most likely had spina bifida, BUT the high risk doctor said that a level 2 ultrasound (basically just a better machine), is a MUCH better tool in looking for this. They scrutinized her spine and she had no spina bifida.

My girl is perfect.

My AFP did indicate a poor pregnancy outcome, though, as my new doctor has explained, the placenta was not great, and did not do its job the best that it could, in then end it detached during labor, and we were rushed to an emergency c-section.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Did you go full term? I'm so glad your girl is healthy and happy!

I went to 37 weeks, but had to induce b/c she stopped growing (she was born at 3 pounds, 10 ounces), but I did have preterm labor at 32 weeks and 35 weeks. My placenta was just a non productive little thing! I was going to say piece of junk but it DID support her enough to live.....so I won't be so harsh, lol!

missnacholover · June 2014

bethas said:

T&Ps for you. I just had my blood drawn for that this morning, so I'm in no-man's land right now. And unfortunately, the meds I was on prior to getting my BFP are known to have a slightly elevated risk of neural tube defects. So we wait.

Good luck to you as well. I hope you have good results!

Kristy774 · June 2014

I'm almost positive I just had this done. I just had another set of blood work done last week. I think that's what it was for, is that the one that they ask you what your nationality is? And what your mom is ect? And they match it up with your due date? They said my results can take up to 2 weeks, no news is good news.

I'm getting a level 2 ultrasound, they are different from the one you would get at your regular obgyn. Mine is on the 16th.

T&P's it's all ok for you.

missnacholover · June 2014

Kristy774 said:

I'm almost positive I just had this done. I just had another set of blood work done last week. I think that's what it was for, is that the one that they ask you what your nationality is? And what your mom is ect? And they match it up with your due date? They said my results can take up to 2 weeks, no news is good news. I'm getting a level 2 ultrasound, they are different from the one you would get at your regular obgyn. Mine is on the 16th. T&P's it's all ok for you.

They didn't ask me any of those questions, however I'm pretty sure all that info is in my file. Good luck to you!

Kristy774 · June 2014

missnacholover said:

Kristy774 said:

I'm almost positive I just had this done. I just had another set of blood work done last week. I think that's what it was for, is that the one that they ask you what your nationality is? And what your mom is ect? And they match it up with your due date? They said my results can take up to 2 weeks, no news is good news.

I'm getting a level 2 ultrasound, they are different from the one you would get at your regular obgyn. Mine is on the 16th.

T&P's it's all ok for you.

They didn't ask me any of those questions, however I'm pretty sure all that info is in my file. Good luck to you!

This was the lab lady who asked me questions as she was taking my blood then she wrote it all on a sheet of paper and attached my blood work to
it.

TeeJ526 · June 2014

I don't have any personal experience, but wanted to offer my thoughts and prayers. FX that everything is ok!

lisaren · June 2014

I bet you're having a little girl, she's already a diva and causing grey hairs!

Positive juju for you and baby nacho.

missnacholover · June 2014

@Emnob28 - I had some pink spotting at 9 weeks (just once) and some brown for about 4 days around 14 weeks. I'm curious what spotting has to do with it - off to google!

Maelara · June 2014

I just wanted to say, I have no experience with this but I do know what it's like to wait for tests results when it comes to this baby and it's nerve racking and scary. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Lots of hugs and love being sent your way!

missnacholover · June 2014

Maelara said:

I just wanted to say, I have no experience with this but I do know what it's like to wait for tests results when it comes to this baby and it's nerve racking and scary. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Lots of hugs and love being sent your way!

Awww, that's so sweet. Thanks!

wallygirl · June 2014

No experience but just wanted to say my T&P are with you.

dr_pr · June 2014

Another lady with no insight here, but lots of T&Ps to you!

LongIslandMama1114 · June 2014

I don't have any experience yet. I have to go for my AFP testing Friday. T&Ps for you!!

Nfranco973 · June 2014

My T & P are with you & your LO. Hopefully , god willing everything will turn out fine. FX hugs

lizzielu82 · June 2014

I just read up on this as I did my blood work for this test yesterday. It sounds like any results are just cautionary - with associations and not a diagnosis. Further testing will determine what next steps are, but at the very least, this probably just means more monitoring (and more US so you get to see LO more).

I would try to stay positive until you have more concrete answers through your AS. I had something abnormal pop-up in my 1st Tri screen and it really freaked me out, but again it wasn't a diagnosis, just associations and they are watching me more closely.

FX for you and sending positive AS vibes your way - I say for now a good RX would be more nachos…:)

missnacholover · June 2014

lizzielu82 said:

I just read up on this as I did my blood work for this test yesterday. It sounds like any results are just cautionary - with associations and not a diagnosis. Further testing will determine what next steps are, but at the very least, this probably just means more monitoring (and more US so you get to see LO more).

I would try to stay positive until you have more concrete answers through your AS. I had something abnormal pop-up in my 1st Tri screen and it really freaked me out, but again it wasn't a diagnosis, just associations and they are watching me more closely.

FX for you and sending positive AS vibes your way - I say for now a good RX would be more nachos…:)

Yup! It's just an indicator that more testing is needed. I'm hoping everything is OK - my NT scan was good and nothing looked off on the ultrasound...

ETA: Good luck to you!

tylerkingrn · June 2014

Thoughts and prayers that all is well with your sweet little. Hugs!!

jessa1228 · June 2014

No experience with this, just wanted to send positive vibes your way.

ShelleyElla22 · June 2014

I had this done last week but my numbers came back low (around 1.5). I do know that they told me it is very sensitive based on the gestational age of the baby and if it's off at all then it's not as accurate. Also, that it is just a potential indicator for a POSSIBLE issue. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that everything looks good with little nacho on Friday!

Sarahbeth612 · June 2014

Sending T&Ps and good vibes!

Kristil2014 · June 2014

No experience. My T&P are with you.

dsp2013 · June 2014

Coming out from dirty lurking.... I just had mine done today and am a similar situation. SIL has spina bifida so they've already scheduled my level 2 (but didn't realize I should've been on a higher dose of folic acid until 12 weeks:( )Hoping the u/s gives us the all clear.

Fingers crossed your level 2 shows a perfect little baby!

Ineedmorecoffee · June 2014

I have not had one but just wanted to let you know you guys are in my T&P and hoping everything is 100% perfect!

lizgrace03 · June 2014

I'm so clueless I had to google AFP-- but wanted to offer Ts, Ps, and hugs.

lincoln79 · June 2014

missnacholover said:

ProcessofBecoming said:

I did have the screen done, but all they told me was that it was negative. I normally ask for actual numbers, but I've been so stressed lately that I took the "negative" and ran with it. I wish I knew more about the test itself, but I am pretty clueless. To me, it sounds like your numbers are just above where they should be, but I wish the nurse would have given you the target values specific to your diabetes. So sorry that you have to worry about this, but glad that your A/S is so soon--are you having a Level II A/S? If not, you might want to request that with a MFM (although you might already be seeing an MFM). T&P to you.

I'm not sure if it's a Level II. They said it is replacing my A/S that was already scheduled. Are all A/S level II?

Clueless, party of one.

Not all A/S are Level II. With us, we are having a "targeted Level II u/s" because our GC is 40 and this is an IVF pregnancy. From my understanding, it basically is just a more detailed A/S with a MFM and meeting with genetic counselor afterward. I just take it as more care for our baby isn't a bad thing!

brooklyngirl18 · June 2014

big hugs for you and littlenacholover. sorry you are going through this

FX for a great appointment tomorrow.

FirstBabyDoyle · June 2014

No experience here. I had to google AFP

Sorry you are going through this. You and baby nacho are in my T&Ps Keep us posted.

DoubleUp8 · June 2014

I know you said you appointment got bumped up to today (I think). Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you today!

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