Quad Test

I had a quad test done last week and my OB says it came back abnormal. Spina Bifida? I'm really worried...is there any reason to be? Has anyone had this problem and how did they resolve it?!

[Harley-girl]

I had my Quad Screen done on Monday and am nervously awaiting the results. With the spina bifida I think they will do a level 2 u/s to determine the severity and to see if there is actually anything to be concerned about. It may have been a false positive. I am not sure what else they do for it.

[Facere23]

I've read that there is a high false positive rate on the quad test.  My sister was told that there could be something wrong with all 3 of her children.  They were all born happy and healthy babies.  I'm due for my quad next week and am debating if i want to really have it done or not for fear of needless worry.

[Harley-girl]

If you do not mind me asking how old are you ladies??? I am 31.

[Facere23]

I'm 24.  I don't mind you asking at all.

[mary345]

When my mom was pregnant with my sister they told her by u/s that she had spina bifida and that my mom should abort. well my mom didn't and my sister was born perfectly healthy. i wouldn't worry till they do a more advanced u/s besides i got a false positive when i was pregnant with my son and he was born just fine. good luck

[sallie05]

I have had numerous friends who have had false positives with that test, so try not to worry until you know for sure. Even though I know that is very difficult.

[Hamit]

I have also heard lots of stories about the quad test.  Well, mine came back positive too and I lost my baby at 7 months.  There were lots of other test afterwards to make sure what was wrong.  If they pick something up in the test, they will check out everything to make sure everything is ok.

[Jennah]

Ugh, with my first it came back with a risk for spina bifida too.  Let me explain.  This quad test is only a screening so it isn't even a test really- just a screening.  It shows if your baby is at a higher risk for either downs or spina bifida.  Now, let me further explain how rediculous this test is. I believe it is now not allowed in Canada due to its high number of false positives which causes undue stress in moms to be.  I heard before they were trying to get rid of it in CA as well but that was 4 years ago. If you are even a few days off from when you conceived the test can be wrong. Example- I do not nor never have had a 28 days cycle, I have either 24-26 days, so when the doctors do that outdated wheel due date thing in their office, for me its always wrong since it is based on a perfect 28 day cycle.  I ovulate anywhere from day 8 until day 12.  So, you figure that test is basing it on a certain time frame, with me, it was most certainly off. Mine came back positive, they tried to get to take an amnio, but first talked to me about terminating it! Yes they actually wanted me to make that decision based on a mere screening! I was less then enthused and refused. Look it up and you will see how many false positives there are. The doctors and the stupid paper you sign will state that there are very few false positives but ask around and read, you will find these are pure lies, and this test should be banned.  There are other ways ( high resolution ultrasounds) to test for these abnormalities other then this rediculous test. By the way, the baby they wanted me to make a decision to terminate is perfectly healthy! Imagine that!

[ark730]

I need to make a decision on if I want to have quad screening, cvs or amnio. I am leaning toward amnio but its hard to wait till 17 wks. Im 11 wks today whats your opinion?