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AFP Screening Test
I am 18.5 weeks and got a all Monday that my AFP test came back abnormal for Trisomy 18. Needless to say, I am worried to death. This is our 4th baby & will be our first boy. They can't get me in to the High-risk OB until next Friday! So I have to wait another week with not knowing anything. I'm 32 & everything in this & previous pregnancies have been normal. Anyone else have experience with this test? (i.e. false-positives, trisomy 18)
Best Answer
My baby was diagnosed with T18 at 5 months pregnant. My blood test came back positive for that chromosome disorder and they gave me the genetic counseling and amniocentesis right away. It came back positive for full blown Trisomy 18. Basically it means that the baby is "not compatible with life". They have many complications with their health and most don't make it to term. And the ones that do die within a couple hours of birth. Girls have a higher survival rate than boys do. Im having a girl. It took a lot for me to accept this but we decided to keep the baby and take it day by day. I'm sorry you have to wait, not knowing is the worst. My daughter has major heart issues (most T18 babies do), she is 4 weeks smaller than usual, she has cysts in her brain and a cleft palate. I'm 24 and this is my 4th child. This just happens sometimes. Please keep us updated.
**Update** Went today for the Level II ultrasound & our sweet baby boy has ZERO signs of the disorder. He is healthy & weighs a little more than he should but measures right where he should be. Thanks everyone for your input & support.
That is so junk! I will be praying for you and the baby. Please let us know how it goes.
No. It's the first appointment they have available since I will need a higher detailed Ultrasound when I go.
Ya I was just looking it up, I understand how it will be hard to be in the dark. Can they get you in any earlier?
Thank you. I have been to that website & many others. Just wanted to see if anyone had real life experience with this. It's a very scary disorder to be left in the dark for nearly 2 weeks & told "try not to worry". :(
Check out trisomy18 .org without the space between 18 and .org, it explains all about it. Also it states that only 11% of those who teat positive from an AFP screening will have a baby affected by trisomy 18. The AFP is a screening test not diagnostic so it means you tested positive for a higher risk. The website explains it all.
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