AFP/Triple Test?

Question

Has anyone had a terrible experience with this test? I found at 12 weeks that my son might possibly have Down Syndrome I didn't get the amnio because of the risk of miscarriage so instead of enjoying my pregnancy with my last child I worried the whole time instead of asking how beautiful my son was all I could ask if he was ok the minute he was delivered. I hate this test and I wanna know what you think!

everything the AFP test is used for can be seen on most ultrasounds...so you really wouldn't be shocked.

Answer 1

I cannot tell you how UNRELIABLE this test is!!!!! It frightens way more women than it helps. I could write a novel on this subject, but I'll try to keep it brief.

With my first child, my AFP came back showing there might be a problem. After three agonizing days, I finally saw a Perinatologist and had an ultrasound and amnio. We also went through genetic counseling. Fortunately, there was nothing wrong with my child and he is perfectly beautiful!!

A year and half later, a pregnant friend of mine had the test and showed everything was normal. Upon delivery, she gave birth to a severely Down Syndrome child that need multiple surgeries and will never be "normal". She would not have aborted the pregancy had she known, but at least she would have had a few months to prepare for having a Down child.

I was pregnant with my second child by then and had a "normal" AFP. However, since my friend had the Down child with a normal test, I was still worried and went in again for an amnio. It is the ONLY way to know for certain.

I had the AFP at 18 weeks and didn't know they did it as early as 12 weeks. None the less, I found the amnios to be relatively painless and put me at peace of mind for the well being of my children. It is true that you run some risk with an amnio, but, in my mind, it was minimal.

I would NEVER take another AFP test and just go straight to amnio. I don't like the false results and find it to be a waste of time.

I am so happy you have a beautiful son. Enjoy him every day!

Answer 2

I didn't have one. I know people who had false negatives (children born with Downs when the test came back normal) and false positives (like in your case) so I decided against it. I would never get an amnio either because of the small risk of miscarriage. Spinabifida and the heart defect that a lot of children with Downs have are both detected by ultrasound, and that's all I really cared about. I don't believe in abortion so that would not have been an issue either.

Answer 3

I took the AFP test and it was fine...if it hadn't been I would have taken the amnio because there's only something like 1% chance of miscarriage...and it would have told me conclusively, without a doubt, exactly what the situation was.

The stress of worrying for the next 6 months probably posed more of a risk of miscarraige than the amnio would have.

These tests are scary...but they are there for a reason. If I were you I would have taken the amnio.

Answer 4

THERE IS ONE SIMPLE ANSWER TO THE REASON FOR HAVING AN AFP/FIRST TRIMESTER SCREEN

only have the test if you are willing to proceed to amnio


THE TEST IS DIAGNOSTIC FOR ABNORMALITIES
so if it works you up and your not going to have the amnio then why bother
many of my patients are in the same situation

In Australia we do the first trimester screen at 12 weeks its a blood test/ultrasound/and maternal history combined together to give a 90%detection rate for Trisomy 13/18/21

Just remember if you open the can of worms you have to face the consequences

Answer 5

I had the trying out performed with my son. I didn't have an amnio. I had 3 ultrasounds performed....and my son was once born critically disabled. Only part of his mind shaped. Nothing was once each stuck....At first it was once rough to manage....however now that he has kicked the bucket (he lived to be two) I would not difference one moment for some thing. I'm having my moment now and I do not care if there's some thing unsuitable with my youngster. I might like a heads-up. I'm going for a degree 2 ultrasound simply earlier than Christmas. The simplest certain strategy to understand is an amnio....however there's a threat of miscarriage with that. No subject what your youngster might be a blessing.

Answer 6

I think it should only be performed if the risk exists for Downs or other defects. I had it done with first baby, test was ok, I worried about false positives and negatives. I elected not to have the test this time!

Answer 7

I didnt have this test when I was pregnant because my doctor told me that it is not always accurate and I didnt want to worry about something that might not be.

Answer 8

I had a triple marker screen with both pregnancies and i gotta say i was happy to have them. Then it wouldnt have been a shock if something was wrong with my kids. (not that i would have loved them less)