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LiveItUp
Love my babies!
Member since 8/11 4096 total posts
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AFP/spina bifida blood test
My doctor offered this test and said if I want it I have to get it done by the end of this week (I'm 17 weeks). Is this a common test? I don't mind getting it done but the doctor mentioned that sometimes you can get a false positive, so that makes me kind of nervous that I might end up going through a ton of stress for no reason. But at the same time I'm a worrier so I feel like I have to get the test done just to be sure. Have any of you ladies refused this test?
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Posted 5/1/12 9:13 PM  |
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OhBoyorGirl
LIF Adult
Member since 2/12 1789 total posts
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
I actually just had this done today. My dr. Was fine with me declining the quad screen bc my NT results were good, but really pushed me to the AFP. He never mentioned the risk of a false positive. Hopefully that doesn't happen!
I feel the same way you do regarding all these screenings, of course I want to do all I can for this baby, but sometimes I wonder if the worry is worth it!
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| Posted 5/1/12 11:06 PM |
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Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
I had it done and my AFP did come back elevated, associated with spina bifida and some other terrible birth defects. I've had so many sonograms, almost had an amnio, it's been really difficult, but everything seems to be OK with the baby so far. I'm due in a few weeks so we'll see for sure soon. If everything turns out OK after all, I'll definitely wish I never even took the test in the first place bc it's been so incredibly stressful.
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| Posted 5/2/12 12:06 AM |
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
I had it done by RE before I got pregnant. They also mentioned it to me several times at the peri so I just gave them my records. I think some drs just cover all bases.
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| Posted 5/2/12 7:01 AM |
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YourMama
LIF Adult
Member since 4/11 913 total posts
Name:
YourMama
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
I had this done last week and I have the sonogram next week. I figured if anything (god forbid) is wrong with the baby I'd like to be prepared for it. It's no harm to the baby so I'm taking whatever optional tests they offer
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| Posted 5/2/12 7:24 AM |
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
Or maybe this is the one they are pushing for 16 weeks  Either way, they mentined it several times to me.
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| Posted 5/2/12 7:27 AM |
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InShock
life is good
Member since 10/06 9258 total posts
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
Posted by bringonthebaby
Or maybe this is the one they are pushing for 16 weeks Either way, they mentined it several times to me.
Yeah, the AFP is done at 16 weeks (up till 18 weeks, I think). I am having it done tomorrow. I think it's one of those standard screenings (like the 12 week NT scan). I had it done when I was pregnant with my daughter 5 years ago.
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| Posted 5/2/12 7:31 AM |
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springsandra
Baby girl has a baby brother!
Member since 11/09 7155 total posts
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Sandra
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
I just had a blood draw today to test for it. I honestly don't even remember the results or anything from #1 (and that was less than 2 years ago) and I mostly just let them take blood today because it gives me something to talk to the doctor about at the next appointment. Today's appointment was unbelievably boring and almost a little awkward with so little to talk about... At least I got to hear the baby's heartbeat.
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| Posted 5/2/12 11:51 AM |
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
My risks for Trisomy 13/18 went up after the 12 week blood work, but the sono looked ok. I had the quad screen at almost 16 weeks and my risks went back down again. That was reassuring although my results for spina bifida were slightly above the normal range. The doctor wasn't concerned about spina bifida, but abnormal results could mean potential growth problems down the line. The Level II showed everything looked ok and now I'm being monitored for potential growth issues every 4 weeks. I'm glad I had the test done because my doctors are being proactive about this. So far, growth hasn't been an issue, but if it were, I'd want the doctors to know as soon as possible.
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| Posted 5/3/12 8:25 AM |
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Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
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Re: AFP/spina bifida blood test
Posted by Chai77
I had it done and my AFP did come back elevated, associated with spina bifida and some other terrible birth defects. I've had so many sonograms, almost had an amnio, it's been really difficult, but everything seems to be OK with the baby so far. I'm due in a few weeks so we'll see for sure soon. If everything turns out OK after all, I'll definitely wish I never even took the test in the first place bc it's been so incredibly stressful.
I can now (unexpectedly) update my post. I had the baby last night and he is absolutely perfect. None of the defects that I came up at risk for. I totally wish I never did the test in the first place now. 
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| Posted 5/3/12 9:10 AM |
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