Pregnancy AFP Test About This Page:

[Jillybean]

Rachel,

With your age, I really wouldn't worry about it. I was 35 and 40 when I had my girls, so I had an amnio each time.

Go with your gut - - it will lead you right every time.

Jill

[Happymommy]

I never would have terminated, but I did have the test done both times . I never really thought about it though, it was just something they scheduled, and I did it. I wouldn't have an amnio because I was under 30 when I delivered both of my children, but I didn't really have any concern about that test. I just didn't question it. I was just sort of went with whatever the doctor suggested, even though terminating wasn't something I'd consider.

[Huntermom]

The test didn't exist when I was pregnant witb DS1 and DS 2. Three years later when I was pregnant with DD, it had been around for a couple of years but the rate of false positives was very high. I chose not to have it because I would have not terminated the pregnancy. My OB said the only advantage if you chose to continue the pregnancy with a disabled child, than specialists can be immediately available.

My sister, who has a severely disabled child and was usually pregnant the same time I was, chose to have the test and amnio, which I also declined. Her reasoning was the same as Teresa's-she would not have been able to care for second disabled child.

And although we've always had excellent insurance, I am concerned about spiralling health care costs. To me it did not seem worth the expense.

Diane

[JoanW]

Skipped it, and I was 31 and 33 at the time.

And I agree with the cranky buttness and bratness test. Geez Louise! Our the "You're Not The Boss of Me" test. I would have been more prepared and studied for it.

[BritDisFan]

I haven't got any personal experience Rachel and I don't know if it's the same test but my colleague Faye was told that her baby was going to have Downs. Abbie was born was a very slight heart defect but apart from that she is absolutely fine. Faye said if she has another child she will not be having the test.

Karen

[wheatenwalker]

I dont know that I was offered that but because I was an "elderly" gravida (ie over 35) they did talk to me about an amniocentesis- but there are risks associated with the procedure and I wouldnt have terminated either so I didnt do it-- Alot of the nurses I worked with had the AFP done and it seems to me there were so many false positives-- Pixies and good luck--- [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/luck.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/luck.gif[/img]

[disneyknut]

I did have the test all 3 times.. I don't remember if I was given the option or not.. probably did just don't remember... It seemed like every visit they wanted to do something new.. glucose, US etc.. go with your gut feeling..

& Mel.. I think you're on to something.. lets develop a test for brattiness.. we'd make oddles on pregnancies!! (speaking as a Mom who just spent the last half hour lecturing a 9YO about lying to me!!)

[fourdrawfs]

I did it for my fisrt one 19 yrs ago, it came back postive 3 times!!! she's as healtly as can be.. I refused it for my next three, I was 42 when ds was born( my last) I told my doctor I wasn't taking any tests- what will be will be I wouldn't terminate. I have 4 beautiful healthly children. everybody I know hates that test.

[Nala]

I also declined both test (which they wanted me to do because of my age, 35 and the fact that this was my first child). And like you, I declined because, no matter what, I was having our baby.

I do not know if any of these tests would have detected Kiara's disability, but even if they had, it wouldn't have changed anything. The only thing it would have done was make me a basket case, and when you are pregnant, that is the last thing you need. This is a time to enjoy, to cherish and to marvel at the wonder of life. The last thing any mother to be needs is a false test result taking that joy away.

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grouphug.gif[/img] & [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] I think you have made the right choice.

[CRCrazy]

Rachel - I don't even remember if I had the test with Amanda and Jennie. I do know that when I had Sarah (at age 35), I did decline the test. I would not have terminated for any reason.

I am extremely glad that I didn't - because she would have been a positive. She's got something called Spina Bifida Occulta, which is Spina Bifida (basically a hole in the small of her back) but hers closes up before you hit the spinal cord itself, so she has no nerve involvement. I would have been worried sick for the rest of the pregnancy- and on watch even more than I was after she was born. She did have some residual effects - she is an OT kid - finally tested out at age 10, although she still has those OT issues, but she is SOOO not disabled!! This is a child who dances 4 hours a week, does gymnastics, plays basketball, you name it!!

[krisk11]

Rachel - If they do the test and they are even a day or two off you will most likely come up with a false positive. My test was positive for spina bifida so then I had to go have an ultra sound done so they could take a look at my childs spine. The figured out that they were off on my due date by 3 days and my dd was born perfectly healthy. I, though, was totally freaked out when I got the test results and was worried to death about my child having spina bifida. If I were to do it again I would not have the test done. By the way my child who supposedly had spina bifida scored 4 goals today in 2 ice hockey games. Spine is working just fine. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Chrissi]

I declined the AFP due to the high percentage of false positives and my state-of-mind. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] I didn't need the added stress of a false positive when I already felt like I was on the brink of hormonal madness. Babies are blessings. Period. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[loobyoxlip]

I opted out of the test. My cousin had a false positive and just spent so long worrying for nothing (the baby was healthy). But it's a very personal choice. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/luck.gif[/img]

[lauren-roxy]

Good luck Rachel!!! You have to do whatever you feel is the right thing for you and Wally. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

[DyanKJ130]

I elected not to have the test done, as I would not have terminated the pregnancy anyway. I had worked with many children & adults with Down Syndrome & loved every single one of them to pieces. Also, at the time, my sister's friend had received a positive test result that her daughter would have spina bifida. She was given a pretty grim diagnosis, but still elected to have her. Turns out her case wasn't as severe as predicted and, while not perfect, she can walk and is not in a wheelchair 100% of the time. Seemed like a lot of needless worry for me, at the time.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure you will do what you feel is best for you & your little one!