Anyone 35+ who had AFP test done?

[kat9673]

This is my second pregnancy but since I am now 35 and will be 36 when I give birth, I am doing this AFP test and I am so scared, nervous, and just paranoid. I don't want to do the Amniocentesis because the thought of it just scares me to death. But I was wondering with the AFP test do they give you a normal or abnormal result, or do they give you just a probability of how your baby will have spina bifida, trisomy 18, down syndrome etc? Also, anyone here 35+ who came up with normal results and didn't have to go through with the amnio? thanks!!!

Kat
A very, very nervous and stressed out mom!!!

[prevatt77]

They would not do an AFP test on me because of my age, it would of thrown off the results too much.

[kat9673]

Hello! Ladies!!! Good evening to all.... I just wanna share that I finally got my result for my AFP test result today.. Doctor said it's negative!!! I am so happy! because I was so stressed out waiting for the 2 grueling weeks... Thanks for all the support!!!!

Kat

[kat9673]

Thanks Magnolia55! This really makes me feel better! I just thought or assumed that just because I was 35 they were gonna automatically say I am at risk and that my AFP wasn't going to be normal, and therefore go for Amniocentesis which I also choose not to go through. Thanks everyone!!! I feel better :)

[magnolia55]

I also had the tests done, at age 40, and had "normal" results. My range was the same as for a 25 year old. We also opted not to do the amnio because it was a greater risk for m/c than for a genetic problem. My sister opted to do both tests for piece of mind. It is ultimately your choice. Go in informed so that you can discuss the results with your OB.

[kat9673]

Thank you so much for your help! Tricia knowing you're 41 and got normal results made me feel a lot better. And Kellym thanks for the support and making me feel better about the procedure :)

[SoCalTricia]

I'm a little confused...first you said AFP, then amnio. They are totally different tests. The AFP test is done at around 16 weeks, and is standard in all pregnancies...I had an AFP test with both previous pregnancies. It tests mainly for spina bifida and a couple of other things. It's just a blood test, and if it comes back elevated, they will offer other tests.

The amnio is the one that is offered to high risk mothers...it's where they take amniotic fluid through the wall of your abdomen with a needle. It is something like 99% accurate in detecting chromosomal problems like Down Syndrome and Trisomy.

The test I think you're thinking of that gives you a probability/risk factor is the First Trimester Screening (Nuchal Translucensy combined with a thorough ultrasound and blood screening). They do it around 11-13 weeks, if I remember right, and they give you a risk factor based on the results of all the screening tests and your age. For example, I think my risk factor was 1:550, meaning there was a 1 in 550 chance my baby had a chromosomal issue. If you choose this test and want a more definitive answer, they will let you do an amniocentesis.

Hope this makes sense! Oh...and, in answer to your question, all my tests have been well within normal range, and we chose NOT to have the amnio (the risk of miscarriage was higher than my risk that my baby has a chromosomal problem). I'll be 41 when the baby is born.

Good luck!
Tricia

[kellym]

I just did them on Wed, don't be nervous. This is the 3rd time I've done them, I do them every pregnancy. I actually did the Nuchal Translucency test too.  I did these at 13 weeks and 16 weeks. Both had blood work and both had measurements. She said that the measurements were perfect and that the blood plays a very little role. I will be 36 this month. It used to be advanced maternal age but these days 35-36 is not old ;)  I think they give you a "it's within normal/abnormal range" kind of answer.