Here is what some women who have recently given birth had to say:
"I took it because I was at a high-risk perinatologist (for previous unexplained miscarriages) and he mentioned that it can detect problems with the placenta, I think he said "later on" but my memory is fading...Anyway, I thought if it detected placenta problems there may be something they could do, even if it was just bedrest. I wouldn't have done anything to my pregnancy just off an AFP...and it would have had to be very severe, not just Downs, to warrant a more invasive test, for me."
"I decided not to do it because I know at least two people who had abnormal results and they had great! babies. I was absolutely not going to have an abortion, so it didn't seem to need to be done - just to worry. If it were more reliable I probably would have done it because I would have liked to have been prepared if there was a problem. But Laurel is wonderful, so I guess there was nothing to worry about." -Laurie
"When making my decision for the AFP, my main concern was how the test was done. I didn't want anything that would risk the well-being of our baby. Since they only drew blood from me, I didn't see the harm. I would have kept the baby no matter what the results were so I guess that is something each individual must decide for themselves." - Betty
"I will never take it because it isn't very accurate and I wouldn't go as far as the amniocentesis and I would keep the baby anyway."
"This doesn't fit directly into your questions, but - I had genetic counseling because of my age (36) & possibility of Tay Sachs, etc. The genetics counselor didn't bring up AFP so I asked her about it. She discouraged me from having it since I was going to have an amniocentesis - saying it wouldn't give any additional information. So I didn't have it." - Gillian
"Mine came back normal, but I was told if they were abnormal I would have a retest and then a sonogram if the 2nd test came back abnormal. I was also told that the tests often come back abnormal when there is really nothing wrong so not to worry if it happened until further testing was done." - Sandra
"Mine came back abnormal for Downs Syndrome. It said that at the age of 21 I had a 1 in 47 chance of giving birth to a Downs baby. I went ahead and had the ultrasound and then the amniocentesis. The amniocentesis results came back that I was having a healthy baby boy, but it was too late. He had already died from complications arising from the amniocentesis itself." - Hannah
"I think this is a scary test. Many doctors make it sound mandatory. It has a high false positive rate. I think it should be explained carefully and given with informed consent only. Implications should be explained carefully. I told my doctor at 1st visit I didn't want it done. I was asked 3 more times." - Gerry
