We just found out that our blood work came back with a low AFP count. The doctors said we might have a Down's Syndrome child. Just looking for anyone who might have had a normal child even when they had a low AFP count.
2007-01-01 04:12:29 · 7 answers · asked by Mark 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
yes that has happened to me as well, with my 2nd child. (AFP is not accurate!) if you haven't already scheduled one...a high intensity ultra-sound with a neo-natologist (I think that is their title). they will measure the fungal fold, the long bones of the baby (like the femur) to check the length (DS kids have shorter bones), look for congenital heart defects and so on. my son turned out just fine. my 3rd son this happened to as well, though when they did the ultra-sound they found a heart problem, av-canal, which is sometimes associated with down syndrome, so the only way for us to know for sure if the baby had DS was to so an amnio. I opted for that, because I needed to know so I was prepared once the baby was born. the dr. called 2 days later, and my son did have DS. I was scared beyond belief....all these questions kept running through my mind, was it my fault?....how was I going to raise a child with disabilities? you name it it went through my mind. looking back I have to laugh at myself, I can't figure out why I was so scared....my son is the light of my heart, he is such a loving child. sure he does things at a slower pace, but he does it! so whatever happens, just be the best mom you can be to your baby, and try not to worry! because if you Will undoubtedly love your baby no matter what.
2007-01-01 07:31:37 · answer #1 · answered by julie's_GSD_kirby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the end of the day, it's your decision and all people can do is offer their opinion and experience in this situation. Personally, I wouldn't abort as I don't see Down's syndrome as a severe enough disability to justify it. In another two weeks, your baby is viable and stands a good chance of survival outside of the womb. Several babies have survived in neonatal intensive care units from 22 weeks gestation onwards. Whilst there are some health complications sometimes associated with the syndrome, a lot of Downs children live extremely happy lives. I've known several in my life and I can honestly say that they were a lot happier than most of the unaffected children I know. They are also very loving. My mum knows a Downs lady in her late twenties who is actually an actress and has her own home. I would suggest you talk to a counsellor before doing anything drastic as they are impartial and can offer some really good advice. In addition to this, you could go and see your doctor and find out what caring for a child with Downs actually involves. At the end of the day, this is still your baby. Abortion is not something to be taken lightly and can cause you permanent psychological damage. If you decide to continue with your pregnancy, whether it is difficult or not, you will adjust to having a child who needs a little extra care. I hope you manage to reach a decision that you are happy with and wish you all the best for the future.
2016-03-29 03:09:48 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry TOO much.
The Alpha Fetal Protein test is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. The whole point is to find people who are at higher-than-average risk of having a baby with certain problems.
A low AFP means that you are in that higher risk category. It does NOT mean that you have a Downs Syndrome baby. Further testing is needed. Most likely they will do a Level II ultrasound to look at some very specific features of the baby's anatomy. They may recommend an amnio.
Most people who have an abnormal AFP go on the have normal, healthy babies. Hopefully, you will be one of them.
Good luck.
Sherry
2007-01-01 04:28:00 · answer #3 · answered by who me? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not me, but my sister had an abnormal count..not sure if it was AFP because I'm not sure what that even is, but will assume it was the same test. Anyways, she was sent for a 4-D sonogram and was then to have an amnio, which she declined as they were basically going to give her one so she could choose whether she wanted to abort or not, but she would've refused either way so said there was no point in adding risk to the pregnancy by having the amnio...Anyways, they did the 4-D to check for physical characteristics had by infants with Down's and none were found...It was later discovered that she was simply not as far along as they thought she was, so they scared her for no reason!
Sorry, hope you get the story straight through my ramblings!! lol Hope everything turns out ok with your baby..however, if your LO does have Downs, you will love him and find him ever so special!!
((((HUGS))))
2007-01-01 04:20:06 · answer #4 · answered by BraidyLocks 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a risk of 1:150 with my last baby. We went for amnio & the results were good. My doctor's wife had 1:28 risk & their baby is also fine.
I kept a diary online while I was waiting for the amnio results - knowing that most likely I would feel obligated to abort if the baby had Down's Syndrome.
2007-01-01 07:21:13 · answer #5 · answered by IVF Expert 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The dr told me the same thing. I was 5 months pregnant when they told me my baby would have down syndrome. He was born a normal baby. It is scarey to go the rest of your pregnancy and wondering, but its great when the dr are wrong.
2007-01-01 04:20:57 · answer #6 · answered by mistyjlr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know someone who did. They got all freaked out when the results came back, then realized it was a calculation error. It had something to do with mis-measuring the fetus or assigning it the incorrect age. Their son is very healthy.
2007-01-01 08:34:05 · answer #7 · answered by MissM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋