Raised AFP levels

[michelle987]

Hi Ladies, I am wondering about false positives for AFP? I had a level 2 ultrasound at 13 weeks and all was great - measurements were all well in range.  Spine looked perfect and so did the brain.  I have had a few normal ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy (in SA they start ultrasounds at 6 weeks), so I have had a normal ultrasound at 6 weeks (no heart beat); 7 weeks (repeat of 6 weeks and everything was alright); 10 weeks; 15 weeks, with the level 2 ultrasound at 13 weeks.  I am wondering what causes a false positive - is it the test or something within me or the fetus.  Baby was conceived through assisted reproduction (artificial insemination) with Clomid and Pregnyl as ovulation inducers.  I also have had to go on two courses of "pregnancy safe" antibiotics in the first trimester.  I also had bleeding due to a blood clot for the first 7 weeks or so.  My previous pregnancy ended with a placental abruption at 33 weeks, but luckily my daughter survived and is perfectly healthy.  So now I have to be concerned with another placental abruption in this pregnancy and all the other third trimester issues related to a raised AFP.  The Dr wants to see me for another level 2 ultrasound tomorrow to see if there are any abnormalities as the raised levels give me a 1:9 chance of spina bifida and if there is nothing then  to test my AFP levels again two weeks after the first test to see if they have dropped - if they have dropped then I don't know if I am in the clear or whether it still indicates adverse outcomes in the later stages of pregnancy?  

[missthang73]

I had the genetic screening done at 12 wks through Panorama and also had the AFP at 16 or 19wks. The results from the Panorama show everything was fine but the AFP showed and increased risk for Down Syndrome due to age of over 35yrs old. I have had several ultrasounds done since and will continue to have them weekly, showing that everything looks normal Both of my Dr's (my regular Ob and the Maternal Specialist) stated that the Panorama Screening is a more accurate test and don't seem to be worried about anything. I was a little nervous, but am no longer nervous about it. I have prayed and given it to God and know that everything will be okay. Try not to worry about it. I'm sure that everything is fine. I have also had several miscarriages before and the lost of a baby at 33wks due to Osteogenesis Imperfecta (which is were the gene that was needed for bone growth did not fuse together at the time of conception). The limbs of my baby were not fully grown as they should have been. I had another baby since then though and are now currently 34+4days pregnant now. I wish you the best of luck and keep me updated.