Should i have prenatal screening done?

Question

my doc gave me some pamphlets and let him know if i will want to have this done. Isnt it just taking blood to check for disease?
is it invasive?
does everybody get it done.

i just dont know what it is or why it would be a big deal, hes already taken my blood 4 times.

yea the nurse called it AFP

Answer 1

My prenatal screening involved them taking blood and testing it. That was it. I did it because I wanted to know the likely hood that my baby would have a disability. Even if it was invasive, I would have done it for the peace of mind that my baby is ok. The tests aren't 100% accurate, but it tells you the chances that your baby will have a certain disability.

From the web: It is very important to remember what a screening test is before getting one performed. This will help alleviate some of the anxiety that can accompany test results. Screening tests do not look only at results from the blood test. They compare a number of different factors (including age, ethnicity, results from blood tests, etc...) and then estimate what a person’s chances are of having an abnormality. These tests DO NOT diagnose a problem; they only signal that further testing should be done.

What do the quad screen results mean?

It is important to remember that the quad screen is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. This test only notes that a mother is at risk of carrying a baby with a genetic disorder. Many women who experience an abnormal test result go on to deliver healthy babies.


Abnormal test results warrant additional testing in order to make a diagnosis. A more conservative approach involves performing a second quad screen followed by a high definition ultrasound. If the testing still maintains abnormal results, a more invasive procedure such as amniocentesis may be performed.


Any invasive procedure should be discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider and between you and your partner. Additional counseling and discussions with a counselor, social worker or minister may prove helpful.

Answer 2

If it's what I think you are talking about it is called an AFP test. It is recommended that you get it done. It is generally used for detecting neural tube defects, but it can also indicate: abdominal wall defects esophageal and duodenal atresia, some renal and urinary tract anomalies turner syndrome, some low birth weight fetuses, and placental complications. A low level of AFP could also indicate Down Syndrome.

I had this done and it came back that my son had a 60% chance that he could have Down Syndrome. So they sent me to get a level 2 ultrasound. They checked my ultrasound and could tell from that that the blood test was inaccurate. It was a lot of worrying for nothing. My son is now 3 months and very healthy. I'm still glad I had it done though, so I didn't have to worry throughout my whole pregnancy (though I would love my child no matter what, it was just good to know.)

Good luck!

Answer 3

It to screen the baby for abnormalities. Its not a big deal, they just take blood. They checks for things like Downs syndrome. I dont really see the point in it unless you are planning on getting rid of the baby if it has problems, but I wouldnt ever get rid of my baby. So its up to you whether you want it or not. Alot of the AFP tests come back with false positives too. With my second son It came back possible Down Syndrome. It was false though.

Answer 4

Pregnant women are literal a pin chusin. Some states make it mandatory to have the screening done. It is a wise choice to have it done. Just wait until the labor and delivery. The hospital will poke you for blood too. A lot.

Answer 5

I wasnt asked if I wanted one they just did one for me... Just make sure you are 15 weeks at least before they run the test. Because if they test to early you will get a false positive.. And believe me you dont want a false positive. I got one, and was told that my baby had a 1 in 79 chance for Down Syndrome... It is a handy test so you can prepare yourself if there are any complications and its just like a regular blood test... =)

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

YES
DO WHAT MOST WOMEN DO