afp blood test risk

Wendy · Post by **Wendy** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 10:50 am

Dear all, please help. Theres not really anything we can do but we could do with some positive stories regarding afp screening blood tests. I am now 16wks and last wk went for the triple test that screens for downs, spina bifida etc - it wasn't a choice - its a legal requirement for all pregnant women in france. I wasn't too worried as my nuchal fold measurement was fine. Anyway, the doc rang on tuesday and asked me to come in straight away - apparently anything greater than a 1 in 250 chance is considered high risk - I'm 1 in 30 - help !! I don't want to have to make any decisions. We were just starting to enjoy the pregnancy after the worry of the first 3 mths etc we were really starting to think wow I am actually pregnant at last, we are going to have a baby. Now we just feel totally deflated, terrified that something is either wrong or the worry of miscarriage with the amniocentisis I am now booked in for in 2 weeks time. Then it'll be a 3 wk wait for the results, so we've got 5wks. We are trying to carry on as normal but its pretty impossible. What are others experiences, please,we could do with some positive results in terms of people getting high risk blood tests but everything being normal and the amnio being ok etc. We've seen all the statistics and I know the blood test is dubious but we've come so far, I mean with all the odds we've beaten/lost so far statistics don't mean anything anymore - we were the 1 in 6 who had fertility problems in the first place, we were the 1 in goodness knows, who had to have icsi, we were the 1 of the 20 % who it worked for and now we are the 1 in 10 who get a high risk result from the blood test etc etc We just don't want to be the 1 in 10 who have a serious problem or the 1 in 200 who have a miscarriage with the amnio, it really just feels like another kick in the teeth. sorry to be so miserable. love to all xxx wendy

Jilly · Post by **Jilly** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 4:24 pm

Oh crikey Wendy! What a bugger! Its so awful having to worry so much...we do enough of that as it is!!!! Well my experience is not personal....as I opted not to have the test for this very reason!!!!! BUT........my best friend's Aunt (who used to live next door to me) fell pg after many miscarriages.....(and many years after she had actually given up trying...she was nearly 40 at the time) She had the test due to her age....it came up positive...and high risk.....she chose not to have an amnio....due to having to make whatever decision would follow from that test along with the risk of the test....and went through a very worrisome pregnancy unfortunately.....and the baby was born totally healthy...no problems at all... This doesnt answer you or take away your worries...or help you decide what to do....I am just so sorry you have to go through this.. I just hope that your amnio goes well...and your baby is fine... Thinking of you Jilly xoxoxox

Loonpants · Post by **Loonpants** » Mon Sep 30, 2002 8:57 am

Wendy I'm not going to be much help on the advice side of things but I want you to know that I am thinking of you and wish that you weren't going through this extra worry when you should be having a stress free time. Big Hugs Lisa(Loonpants)