Re: AFP Screening...

[Guest guest]

,

It is totally up to you and your husband.

I Personally chose the amnio after a high AFP. Not necessarily because it

would have changed my decision. More just so that I could be prepared.

It turned out 100% fine. So thank God I didn't have to think about it any

further.

It is a totally personal decision between you and your husband if you want

the amnio or not.

It was uncomfortable but not unbearable.

Buckner

LAP RNY 8-23-00

pre-op weight 260

pre-prgnancy weight 186

due date: 12-5-01 Baby Boy!!!!

[Guest guest]

and hubby,

How scary for you. I'm be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. I

hope everything turns out just fine. Either way you're going to end up with a

beautiful baby to love.

Hugs

AFP Screening...

Hello Ladies,

We went ahead with the AFP screening...it's not mandatory in my state, but

thought it would be a good idea. Well, our results came back high. I was

told that the cut off number is 2.50 and we scored 3.47. My understanding

is that this could mean four things (that I know of):

1. The test is a false positive

2. The gestational age of our pregnancy is wrong (not likely because of two

previous u/s)

3. We're having a multiple pregnancy (not likely because of two previous

u/s)

4. We're at risk for neural tube defects

This test is widely known to produce a high number of false positive

results. But, it's still hard not to worry.

We've been scheduled for a level 2 ultrasound at our local children's

hospital this coming Tuesday. They've also scheduled us for genetics

counseling right after the u/s and an amnio right after that.

I'm looking forward to the u/s...I love the idea of being able to see the

baby in such detail! Hopefully s/he will cooperate and let us know if we're

having a boy or girl! LOL!!!

I'm really not convinced that I want to go ahead with the Amnio. My first

instinct is a no. But, I'm willing to wait to make my final decision until

after we've had the u/s and talked with the genetics counselor. I won't

abort for any reason, so, I'm not sure if I'm willing to put the baby at

risk (even a small risk) just for information. I suppose if the information

can only be gained via u/s and we can use the info for in-utero treatment,

or to prepare us for treatment immediately post-delivery, then I'd give it

more credence...it just depends.

So, I'd really appreciate all your prayers. I know God's will will be

done, I just need to keep focused on that.

Thanks!

Blessings,

in California

EDD March 20, 2002 with baby #1

[Guest guest]

,

I went through the same exact thing as you to a T, with my last child, my 2 year

old daughter. I had the amnio and all was fine. She is wonderful and the amnio

was not bad at all. I expected so much worse and had to laugh at myself later.

The good thing was going through the last few months knowing nothing was wrong

with her. It put my mind at rest. The one benefit that I can look at now besides

a healthy baby was the also learning at that time is it was a girl. Good luck on

what ever you decide. I send good wishes your way on a healthy baby.

Carla

AFP Screening...

Hello Ladies,

We went ahead with the AFP screening...it's not mandatory in my state, but

thought it would be a good idea. Well, our results came back high. I was

told that the cut off number is 2.50 and we scored 3.47. My understanding

is that this could mean four things (that I know of):

1. The test is a false positive

2. The gestational age of our pregnancy is wrong (not likely because of two

previous u/s)

3. We're having a multiple pregnancy (not likely because of two previous

u/s)

4. We're at risk for neural tube defects

This test is widely known to produce a high number of false positive

results. But, it's still hard not to worry.

We've been scheduled for a level 2 ultrasound at our local children's

hospital this coming Tuesday. They've also scheduled us for genetics

counseling right after the u/s and an amnio right after that.

I'm looking forward to the u/s...I love the idea of being able to see the

baby in such detail! Hopefully s/he will cooperate and let us know if we're

having a boy or girl! LOL!!!

I'm really not convinced that I want to go ahead with the Amnio. My first

instinct is a no. But, I'm willing to wait to make my final decision until

after we've had the u/s and talked with the genetics counselor. I won't

abort for any reason, so, I'm not sure if I'm willing to put the baby at

risk (even a small risk) just for information. I suppose if the information

can only be gained via u/s and we can use the info for in-utero treatment,

or to prepare us for treatment immediately post-delivery, then I'd give it

more credence...it just depends.

So, I'd really appreciate all your prayers. I know God's will will be

done, I just need to keep focused on that.

Thanks!

Blessings,

in California

EDD March 20, 2002 with baby #1

[Guest guest]

,

I'm somewhat in the same boat as you. Prior to pregnancy and up to 4 weeks

post last period I was consuming over 45,000 IU of Vitamin A, only to find out

that I may have caused serious damage to the fetus (i.e. neural tube defects,

malformations, missing of organ(s), severe mental retardation, and the list goes

on.

Unlike you, I am having an amnio not only because of the above stated, but

because I'll be 38 when I deliver. Also, unlike you, my husband and I went

into this pregnancy both agreeing that we will terminate if there is any

abnormality.

Don't allow fanatics from either side push you into or out of having an amnio.

It's your body, your choice.

O

AFP Screening...

Hello Ladies,

We went ahead with the AFP screening...it's not mandatory in my state, but

thought it would be a good idea. Well, our results came back high. I was

told that the cut off number is 2.50 and we scored 3.47. My understanding

is that this could mean four things (that I know of):

1. The test is a false positive

2. The gestational age of our pregnancy is wrong (not likely because of two

previous u/s)

3. We're having a multiple pregnancy (not likely because of two previous

u/s)

4. We're at risk for neural tube defects

This test is widely known to produce a high number of false positive

results. But, it's still hard not to worry.

We've been scheduled for a level 2 ultrasound at our local children's

hospital this coming Tuesday. They've also scheduled us for genetics

counseling right after the u/s and an amnio right after that.

I'm looking forward to the u/s...I love the idea of being able to see the

baby in such detail! Hopefully s/he will cooperate and let us know if we're

having a boy or girl! LOL!!!

I'm really not convinced that I want to go ahead with the Amnio. My first

instinct is a no. But, I'm willing to wait to make my final decision until

after we've had the u/s and talked with the genetics counselor. I won't

abort for any reason, so, I'm not sure if I'm willing to put the baby at

risk (even a small risk) just for information. I suppose if the information

can only be gained via u/s and we can use the info for in-utero treatment,

or to prepare us for treatment immediately post-delivery, then I'd give it

more credence...it just depends.

So, I'd really appreciate all your prayers. I know God's will will be

done, I just need to keep focused on that.

Thanks!

Blessings,

in California

EDD March 20, 2002 with baby #1

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks. We appreciate all the prayers we can get.

I'm so thankful we don't have to wait forever between getting that Level 2

Ultrasound done and talking with the genetics counselor. That would be

torture.

Since posting my original message to the list, I've done a lot more

research. I'm really less stressed about the whole thing. I'm still

anxious, of course, but armed with information...I'm much more at peace.

Thanks again for your thoughts!

Blessings,

in California

EDD March 20, 2002 with baby #1

Re: AFP Screening...

and hubby,

How scary for you. I'm be thinking of you and keeping you in my

prayers. I hope everything turns out just fine. Either way you're going to

end up with a beautiful baby to love.

Hugs

[Guest guest]

Hello Carla,

Thank you for your post. I'm so glad to hear all turned out well in your

situation.

Blessings,

in California

EDD March 20, 2002 with baby #1

Re: AFP Screening...

,

I went through the same exact thing as you to a T, with my last child, my

2 year old daughter. I had the amnio and all was fine. She is wonderful and

the amnio was not bad at all. I expected so much worse and had to laugh at

myself later. The good thing was going through the last few months knowing

nothing was wrong with her. It put my mind at rest. The one benefit that I

can look at now besides a healthy baby was the also learning at that time is

it was a girl. Good luck on what ever you decide. I send good wishes your

way on a healthy baby.

Carla

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Thanks for your post. I'm so glad everything turned out well for you!

in California

EDD March 20, 2002 with baby #1

Re: AFP Screening...

,

It is totally up to you and your husband.

I Personally chose the amnio after a high AFP. Not necessarily because it

would have changed my decision. More just so that I could be prepared.

It turned out 100% fine. So thank God I didn't have to think about it any

further.

It is a totally personal decision between you and your husband if you want

the amnio or not.

It was uncomfortable but not unbearable.

Buckner

LAP RNY 8-23-00

pre-op weight 260

pre-prgnancy weight 186

due date: 12-5-01 Baby Boy!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Thank you for sharing your story with the list. This must be a difficult

time for you. When are you scheduled for the amnio?

Yes, people do have passionate reasons for making choices. Thank God we

live in a country where free will is (mostly) still ok. )

You are in my prayers,

in California

EDD March 20, 2002 with baby #1

Re: AFP Screening...

,

I'm somewhat in the same boat as you. Prior to pregnancy and up to 4

weeks post last period I was consuming over 45,000 IU of Vitamin A, only to

find out that I may have caused serious damage to the fetus (i.e. neural

tube defects, malformations, missing of organ(s), severe mental retardation,

and the list goes on.

Unlike you, I am having an amnio not only because of the above stated, but

because I'll be 38 when I deliver. Also, unlike you, my husband and I went

into this pregnancy both agreeing that we will terminate if there is any

abnormality.

Don't allow fanatics from either side push you into or out of having an

amnio. It's your body, your choice.

O

[Guest guest]

I declined the AFP testing because I knew I didn't want to

do an amnio. I had a level II u/s in my last pregnancy over

a possible hydrocephalus scare thankfully turned out to be

incorrect and the baby was fine.

I'm hoping everything is alright with yours as well.

Good luck.

Lyssa

edd 2-14-02

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks ,

I'm scheduled for my amnio on Dec 5th...have been in regular contact w/ 2

genetic counselors. One has advised for me to terminate now, the second one

will not say til after the amnio.

I saw my OB this past Tuesday and he wants to wait til after the amnio as well

as my husband and I do. Either way, my OB is pro life (I'm pro choice) and

will not terminate though he has an OB lined up for me in the even the amnio

shows something and we go ahead and terminate.

Funny thing is, I'm not really nervous...I'm totally at peace with myself

presently and the potential actions we will take. I never exhibited

signs/symptoms of Vitamin A toxicity while taking the large doses.....also, the

Vit A was in the form of Beta Carotene, which my understanding is the body

absorbs what it needs and will eliminate what it doesn't. This is not the

case if it were straight Vitamin A.

We'll know for sure 7-10 days following the amnio what path we take.

O

Re: AFP Screening...

,

I'm somewhat in the same boat as you. Prior to pregnancy and up to 4

weeks post last period I was consuming over 45,000 IU of Vitamin A, only to

find out that I may have caused serious damage to the fetus (i.e. neural

tube defects, malformations, missing of organ(s), severe mental retardation,

and the list goes on.

Unlike you, I am having an amnio not only because of the above stated, but

because I'll be 38 when I deliver. Also, unlike you, my husband and I went

into this pregnancy both agreeing that we will terminate if there is any

abnormality.

Don't allow fanatics from either side push you into or out of having an

amnio. It's your body, your choice.

O

[Guest guest]

> I'm scheduled for my amnio on Dec 5th...have been in regular

contact w/ 2 genetic counselors. One has advised for me to

terminate now, the second one will not say til after the amnio.

>

> I saw my OB this past Tuesday and he wants to wait til after the

amnio as well as my husband and I do. Either way, my OB is pro life

(I'm pro choice) and will not terminate though he has an OB lined up

for me in the even the amnio shows something and we go ahead and

terminate.

, I have been following your recent posts and my heart goes out

to you. I am pretty much a lurker on this list. I had a RNY in 7/98

and got pregnant in Jan 2000. I sadly, heartbreakingly terminated

that pregnancy in the 5th month as my little girl, Leah, had a severe

brain deformity and hydrocephalus. Her prognosis was very grim and

we were not equipped to deal with carrying her to term to watch her

die. My AFP was normal as her problem was a " closed head deformity "

so there were no bloodwork flags.

I did go on to have a healthy child, my son, Lucas, who is 6 months

old this week. What a wonderful gift I have received in him, when

the sleep deprivation is not driving me nuts....lol

But, in all that I went through with Leah and seeking out support, I

learned alot from this prenatal testing stuff. It is my

understanding that an amnio can only test for genetic problems

involving the chromosomes, and for the presence of alphafetal protein

in the amniotic fluid, a sign that there is an opening in the baby's

skin (i.e., a spina bifida lesion or other neural tube defects that

present as an open wound).

I am praying for you that your amnio shows a baby with 46

chromosomes, no AFP in the fluid and a completely normal looking

baby. I know this does not put you in the clear as far as later

developmental delays, but it is a good sign.

I am also so sorry that you and your OB don't agree on personal

choices. I have always been pro choice and very relieved to have

only had providers that were also pro choice.

Know I am here for you and feel free to contact me privately, if you

wish.

Hugs,

Rita

[Guest guest]

> May I ask, is this a result of the WLS? Are there higher risks of

birth

> defects after WLS?

No, Donna, this is not related to WLS at all. At least that is what

they told me. And, this list has been around for quite some time,

and just from memory, there have been more healthy babies born than

miscarriages or what I was faced with.

As a matter of fact, I used to tout how important it was to wait at

least 12 months to get pregnant since there is a higher risk of

problems with the baby due to malabsorption, etc. Well, I guess I

just have great odds because I am the one that waited 18 months, got

preg and had a baby with a deformity. The ones who got preg early

on, bless them, had healthy babies. So, I don't toot my own horn any

more. I guess it is the luck of the draw.

Good luck.

Hugs,

Rita

[Guest guest]

<< How long post op were you when you got pregnant? >>

I waited almost 18 months to get pregnant. Kris, the list mom, used

to have a member list of who delivered, etc. Don't know if she has

updated it in a while.

Rita

[Guest guest]

<< You said that at 5 months you terminated, but that your AFP was

normal. What discovered your child's illness? >>

Dee, I was 32 at the time, this was to be my first living child, and

no history of birth defects in my family, so I was not advised to

have an amnio. I was sent for a level 2 u/s. Know that this is

different from a regular u/s in your OB's office. This is what

revealed my daughter's anomaly.

A level 2 u/s is done in the 4-5th month of pregnancy. It is done

using a high resolution u/s by either a perinatologist or a

radiologist who specializes in prenatal u/s. It is not a quick u/s

to check for a h/b. It is a full body detailed scan. They basically

do a body inventory, look at all limbs, make sure there are no

anomalies in the hands and feet (these can indicate a genetic prob),

make sure all the internal organs are there and working (to the best

of their ability), identify the gender (if the baby cooperates), and

view the face for any deformities (cleft lip/palate) and the brain to

be sure there are no deformities.

From what I am told, many doctors in different parts of the country

do not routinely send patients for these types of u/s, unless there

is something that warrants it. I am very lucky that it is routine

here in NY, and my insurance paid for it, even for the first one. I

think it is a very important part of prenatal care. Whether you are

pro choice or pro life, it is good to be most informed.....

Rita

[Guest guest]

<< Thanks Rita...you may not know it, but your words meant a lot!

= ) >>

Glad to help, .

<< When we have the amnio on Dec 5th the high grade ultrasound will

be utilized in performing the amnio so we are hopeful what amnio

might not show, the US will. >>

As I just said in my last post, this kind of u/s is so important in

giving a complete prognosis of a healthy, or sometimes not healthy,

baby.

Good luck wiht the u/s tomorrow.

Rita

p.s. sorry for the multiple posts but I am reading this on the web

and responding, so have to do each individually.