AFP results -- not very reassuring *update on bottom*

I got my AFP test done a month ago, and the results came back good. They said my risk of having a baby with Down's was less than 1 in 5,000. This really put my mind at ease. I was a bit worried, because I am 36, so based on my age, my risk of having a baby with Down's is about 1 in 200. Based on this result, I had ruled out having an amnio. Last night, I went to my doctor, and he said that the AFP test only picks up chromosomal abnormalites 70% of the time! So that means that 30% of the time, you can have something wrong and it won't even be detected!!!!! I am so upset and disheartened now and don't know if I should go for the amnio. My level II is tomorrow, and he said that even that is only 80% sensitive for picking up problems!! Apparently the risk of miscarriage from amnio is 1 in 200-400. I've been so upset since last night, and I really don't know what to do now.

Message edited 12/9/2005 3:08:28 AM.

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

I have no advice but lots of and . There is no easy way to figure this out. You have to trust whatever you think is best.

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

I'm in the same situation as you are.
I've been trying to decide if I should have the amnio for months now.

The AFP is not 100%, neither is the LevelII and neither is the Ultrascreen (which you would normally have around 12 weeks if you opted for it). (Even the amnio is NOT 100%, but it is close and 99% accurate.)

They are all diagnostic tools which help you to determine if they might be a problem which requires further testing.

Your reults for the AFP are really great!!! Did yuo have the Ultrascreen done too? Those results, coupled with the results of your Level II sono should give you a good idea of where you stand. If you results from the LEvel II are great too, you might want to consider not having the amnio.

The amnio carries a 1/200 chance of miscarriage...in my mind, that's too high. So we've decided that since my ultrascreen was great and so was the AFP....as long as my Level II comes back good, we will not have the amnio.

It's such a personal decision and its so hard to make. Talk with DH and your doctor about it and maybe it will help you make a decision.

Good luck with everything

Message edited 12/7/2005 9:42:35 AM.

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

Posted by MrsJ

I'm in the same situation as you are.
I've been trying to decide if I should have the amnio for months now.

The AFP is not 100%, neither is the LevelII and neither is the Ultrascreen (which you would normally have around 12 weeks if you opted for it). (Even the amnio is NOT 100%, but it is close and 99% accurate.)

They are all diagnostic tools which help you to determine if they might be a problem which requires further testing.

Your reults for the AFP are really great!!! Did yuo have the Ultrascreen done too? Those results, coupled with the results of your Level II sono should give you a good idea of where you stand. If you results from the LEvel II are great too, you might want to consider not having the amnio.

My doctor didn't offer the ultrascreen, which I've very angry about. And, he doesn't give me answers about the amnio other than the statistics and to say that I have alot to think about. Why can't they understand that we need a little advice and reassurance???

The amnio carries a 1/200 chance of miscarriage...in my mind, that's too high. So we've decided that since my ultrascreen was great and so was the AFP....as long as my Level II comes back good, we will not have the amnio.

It's such a personal decision and its so hard to make. Talk with DH and your doctor about it and maybe it will help you make a decision.

Good luck with everything

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

Posted by MrsJ

I'm in the same situation as you are.
I've been trying to decide if I should have the amnio for months now.

The AFP is not 100%, neither is the LevelII and neither is the Ultrascreen (which you would normally have around 12 weeks if you opted for it). (Even the amnio is NOT 100%, but it is close and 99% accurate.)

They are all diagnostic tools which help you to determine if they might be a problem which requires further testing.

Your reults for the AFP are really great!!! Did yuo have the Ultrascreen done too? Those results, coupled with the results of your Level II sono should give you a good idea of where you stand. If you results from the LEvel II are great too, you might want to consider not having the amnio.

The amnio carries a 1/200 chance of miscarriage...in my mind, that's too high. So we've decided that since my ultrascreen was great and so was the AFP....as long as my Level II comes back good, we will not have the amnio.

It's such a personal decision and its so hard to make. Talk with DH and your doctor about it and maybe it will help you make a decision.

Good luck with everything

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

i will have the same approach as MrsJ - i had the ultrascreen and am scheduled to the AFP in a few weeks. if both are okay, i will elect not to have an amnio. i am 32. once i hit 35+ i think i will have an amnio, but i will have a better idea when i get to that point...

btw - does anyone know what is the latest one is to get an amnio should the results be negative where one would consider termination?

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

I had the ultrascreen done and the genetic counselor told me that the test is very very accurate when combined with the blood test.

I am 27 but I had a brother that had downs and my SIL lost 2 babies from Trisomy 13 so depending on the results of the ultrascreen, I will get the amnio.

The study of 1 in 200 having a MC is from a study done over 15 years ago when they equipment and technique was not as good as today. I asked a zillion questions when we went to see the genetic counselor which was so helpful.

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

Message edited 3/20/2006 1:25:22 PM.

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

I am also 36. I had the 12 week sono where the measure the folds in the baby's neck - that was normal. I questioned this because I did not have the blood test that goes along with it. Anyway, I also had the 20 week sono is that the level ll? They said all looked good.

At 16 week I had the AFP. MY doc claims that if AFP, 12 sono and 20 week sono are good then I am going to be fine. I hope thats true because now you got me thinking.

I hope all is ok - good luck with everything

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring *update on bottom*

Well, I had the level II today and both the technician and the doctor said that everything looks good. I asked the doctor specifically to look for things indicating spina bifida or down's. He said he looked at specific "down's markers" and didn't see any (white spot in the heart, short femur, certain facial features). My doctor says that the level II is about 80% effective at picking up these things. So now DH and I are trying to decide if the good results on the AFP (70% sensitivity) and these results are enough peace of mind for us to pass on the amnio. Anybody else in my position (over 35) with any opinions?

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring *update on bottom*

Anybody?

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring *update on bottom*

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring *update on bottom*

From what I read, the amnio only picks up 10% of problems that could be wrong. It is a very personal decision.
I feel that drs always push for the amnio. I don't know if its some sort of money thing or what but so many people I know were told that something could be wrong with their baby and they had the amnio done because they were so worried.
Personally I didn't go for the amnio because me and DH feel that we will love the baby no matter what. There is a slight risk of something happening from the amnio and to me it wasn't worth taking the chance no matter how minor it is.
Again, I don't want anyone to take offense because it is a very personal decision and some people feel more comfortable getting the amnio. But for us, we choose NOT to.
If your AFP came back ok and your 20 wk sono came back ok, then perhaps that is all the piece of mind you need.
If you and your DH feel better getting the amnio, there is nothing wrong with that. Its a decision that ONLY YOU can make.
(BTW, I am 37.)

Re: AFP results -- not very reassuring *update on bottom*

I'm 37 & opted out of an amnio for both my kids when I had them at 33 & 35. My feeling was if the markers came back ok, then I was just going to skip it. I don't believe eggs expire at the age of 35.

I have to agree with Sue that it's too personal of a decision for anyone but you & DH.

I had read about how much safer it is these days, blah blah blah - and hten read a devasting LIW story about one that went bad. Given the facts I know now, I'm not sure if I would do it.

Either way - whatever you do -I wish you the best of luck.