Guest guest Posted October 23, 2002 Report Share Posted October 23, 2002 One thing to remember about the AFP is that it is only a screening and assesses one's potential risk for certain genetic problems: Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and/or trisomy 18. It cannot diagnose them. Scientist have figured that if a person fitting a certain criteria (based upon age, race, and so on) " should " have a AFP score within a certain range, if the test comes back outside (high or low) of this range then their is a greater risk for certain genetic disorders. The rub is that the range is pretty large, in order to " catch " the greatest numbers of those with potential risk to then follow up with level 2 ultrasounds and/or amniocentesis. There's really no right or wrong in this. It's important to find out all you can and make an informed decision. ) Here's another great article on AFP stuff: http://epregnancy.com/info/prenataltests/test-afp.htm In our case, we had placental issues (placental lakes and a benign tumor) which allowed for a higher AFP score. Unfortunately, the tumor wasn't detected until I was already in pre-term labor...they didn't see it during the level 2 u/s I had. Although, the u/s was done about 14 weeks prior. So, who knows...maybe it was too small to be detected. HTH! Blessings, ) Jordan's SAHMommy ( in California) Re: AFP One reason for it..some problems can be fixed before the baby is born through surgery. Weird, but true. Diane AFP > > I am pretty much a lurker but felt I would put my 2 cents in on this > discussion. I am 7 1/2 weeks preg. I saw my OB at 5 weeks and was ask > about whether or not I wanted the AFP. I had to sign a piece of paper > declining it if I chose not to. I chose not to have this performed. I am > a nurse and have looked at this from a personal and professional point. I > would not under any circumstances abort this baby, no matter what so there > was absolutely no reason for me to consider this test. I would not do > amnio either. There are too many false postives and then that makes for a > very long and unhappy pregnancy. I plan to enjoy ever minute of being > pregnant. The only good thing I could see coming from the AFP would be > for the medical professionals to be more prepared at delivery for > problems. I have chose after speaking to the ARNP to decline even w/this > in mind. I don't want to offend anyone but this is my reasonings for > choosing not to have this done. > > Kelli Curtis > Bennington,OK > EDD > 6-5-03 > > --------------------------------------------- > This message was sent using Endymion MailMan. > http://www.endymion.com/products/mailman/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2002 Report Share Posted October 23, 2002 I can also see it your way as well Rusty. Kind of hard to know what to do. Like I said, I DID have the AFP test done, and the results were fine thank God, but I can definately see reasons in both decisions. Marcy AFP > > I am pretty much a lurker but felt I would put my 2 cents in on this > discussion. I am 7 1/2 weeks preg. I saw my OB at 5 weeks and was ask > about whether or not I wanted the AFP. I had to sign a piece of paper > declining it if I chose not to. I chose not to have this performed. I am > a nurse and have looked at this from a personal and professional point. I > would not under any circumstances abort this baby, no matter what so there > was absolutely no reason for me to consider this test. I would not do > amnio either. There are too many false postives and then that makes for a > very long and unhappy pregnancy. I plan to enjoy ever minute of being > pregnant. The only good thing I could see coming from the AFP would be > for the medical professionals to be more prepared at delivery for > problems. I have chose after speaking to the ARNP to decline even w/this > in mind. I don't want to offend anyone but this is my reasonings for > choosing not to have this done. > > Kelli Curtis > Bennington,OK > EDD > 6-5-03 > > --------------------------------------------- > This message was sent using Endymion MailMan. > http://www.endymion.com/products/mailman/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2002 Report Share Posted October 23, 2002 I can also see it your way as well Rusty. Kind of hard to know what to do. Like I said, I DID have the AFP test done, and the results were fine thank God, but I can definately see reasons in both decisions. Marcy AFP > > I am pretty much a lurker but felt I would put my 2 cents in on this > discussion. I am 7 1/2 weeks preg. I saw my OB at 5 weeks and was ask > about whether or not I wanted the AFP. I had to sign a piece of paper > declining it if I chose not to. I chose not to have this performed. I am > a nurse and have looked at this from a personal and professional point. I > would not under any circumstances abort this baby, no matter what so there > was absolutely no reason for me to consider this test. I would not do > amnio either. There are too many false postives and then that makes for a > very long and unhappy pregnancy. I plan to enjoy ever minute of being > pregnant. The only good thing I could see coming from the AFP would be > for the medical professionals to be more prepared at delivery for > problems. I have chose after speaking to the ARNP to decline even w/this > in mind. I don't want to offend anyone but this is my reasonings for > choosing not to have this done. > > Kelli Curtis > Bennington,OK > EDD > 6-5-03 > > --------------------------------------------- > This message was sent using Endymion MailMan. > http://www.endymion.com/products/mailman/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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