AFP result

My dr called today and said my alpha feta protein levels were abnormal and he made me an appointment with a maternal fetal medicine specialist for next Thursday.  I have read that there are some false positives.  Have any of you had this happen?

How did your other screening tests come out so far? Did you do the NT test? As you may know my NT came back high for DS. They gave me the choice of getting the CVS or an Amnio or of course waiting on the baby getting bigger and looking at the U/S. The specialist will most likely go over what the test results mean and what other tests you have for options.

Because of that test I get U/S every 3ish weeks..or have been so far. So that might be some other things they do for you.

I wish I can help with the AFP test in perticular..I am pretty sure it is also a screening test which means if positive it just means you have a risk of something wrong. There are lots of false positives with screening tests.

I talked to so many women during my first pregnancy that got false positives on this and then worried and fretted for weeks till they got the good news that they never had anything to worry about, that I didn't even opt to take the test. I don't plan to take it with this pregnancy either. Why waste the worry.

So, what I'm saying is don't worry. From what I've heard false positives are VERY common on these tests. One woman even had a bad result after a high resolution sonogram, went on to have an amnio, and later went on to have a beautiful, healthy, perfect baby girl. Just pray and try not to worry!

My genetic counselor said they do happen often. I would not stress right away either. I see my specialist once a month for not only my age but the twins and for growth checks. Other than that I try not to worry when the tech says anything. I just say as long as they look ok then I am very happy

From what i've read seems like the odds are in your favor that you'll have a false-positive but I get it that it's hard not to worry anyway! I hope everything turns out exactly how you want it to. Keep us posted!
Thinkin' about ya ..

The AFP testing does show a lot of false positives...Try to remember that the numbers only mean an increased chance....My test came back at a 1 in 220 chance of having Down's. That calculated to less than 1% chance of having a baby with Down's. Try not to worry, I'm sure everything is perfect!

Leslie,  How did everything go with your dr's.  I pray that everything is going well