From the article: AFP, Triple Screen and Quad Screen Testing
The triple screen, quad screen or penta screen AFP testing is done between the 15th and 17th week of pregnancy. It can be used to screen for genetic problems like Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida and Anenecephaly. There are many false positives, which can cause worry beyond belief and lead to unnecessary intervention like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). How was your AFP test?
False Positive. Stress and Panic.
- I'm 44yrs old with two boys age 8 and 5. Both happy and healthy kids. Now I'm 17 week preg with our 3rd/last bb. Had quad test last week and result came positive with DS 1:20. Did not have any prob with my earlier pregnancies. Immediately we went to see our OB, did another U/S but still no soft marks. To dcfm we proceed with amino. Lastly we received good news that our baby boy is perfectly ok and in good health. Thank God our scary nightmare is over.
- —Guest Mimie
Sunshine finally
- I did my triple test and the doctor said my chances were 1:110, had me do both ultrasound and amnio. All tests were negative but I lived through hell which led to hyper tension, emergency c- section but in the end my healthy beautiful baby boy was born. This test should be banned, it puts expecting couples through devastation. Good luck to all of you out there!!
- —Guest Amy
too much stress
- Am 35 years mother of 2 boys.Am schedule to take the AFP test this week cause wasn't able to find the baby DNA on my bloood after a lot of thinking I decided not to deal with it,I cannot handle the stress at all,The Great Jehovah God give BABY..So I rely on my God not doctors or needle..my Prayers goes to all of you.you have been in that situations and thanks for all the comment
- —Guest Sherly Mother of 2
Trisomy 18
- At 44 I knew I was higher risk for a genetic condition. However, with 4 healthy children and no family history, I thought my chances were slim. I had the screenings done, to be quite honest, just to have the opportunity to see my baby on the US. The serum came back with a 1:10 for trisomy 18. The following US indicated several soft markers which prompted a CVS which confirmed it. I am 14 weeks pregnant with a beautiful baby girl. I've been wrestling with news that I will not be able to spend the amount of time with her that I had wanted. Although the grief is devastating, I am glad I found out early. I'm cherishing every minute I have with my special angel. This has also given other members of the family a chance to prepare. The screening is not going to change the outcome and as scary as it can be, that is what is important: knowledge of your little one.
- —Guest Sophie
I don't know what to think
- I had my 18 weeks ultrasound a week ago and my OB tald me I need to get some more testing to do and see a genetic counselor get a level 2 and more blood work . Also they tald me they will call if something is wrong and that we should call for results in 2 weeks just to know . Today I get a call that I need to go in and see my OB to go over the tests . I'm scared being crying all day at work . I'm going in the day after tomorrow . Next time I'm not going any test I'm gonna love my baby boy no matter what and knowing all this staff is just stressing me and him out !
- —Guest Scared
false positve
- My husband and I recived word from our Dr. that we tested positve for downs. We now we have 3 sons from 18-14-7 and we are very happy to invite one last son into our lives but very stressed out with our family disapointed that its a boy we dont have the heart to tell them of our positve test. We have talked it over and were not going to tell our familys until we do further testing but my husband and I are so worried about the results. But no matter what were at 17 weeks and our ultrasound was so perfect we saw our son wave at us. So no matter what happens from here on were a family and were in ths together. Thats the great part of having each other.
- —Guest Tracy
worried mother
- im am in the same boat....just had my level 2 us yesterday ....no soft markers ,but my afp came back with a 1:41 chance.I am 31 and this is my fourth child.Previous 3 have been healthy and I never had anything abnormal with the health of my babies before.I'm so sad,this would be my husbands first child ,and im scared for him ,our baby girl ,and for myself.i am having my materni21 test done on friday and 2 weeks after that i will know for sure.I haven't really slept for the 3 days i have known about this ,and i guess I can go 3 more weeks like this,but im a nervous wreck.
- —AmyRGammell
high risk results for both babies
- I had two babies (now ages 2 and 1). First soon my results were chances for downs syndrome 1/87. I was 31. My second son, results were 1/41 for downs. I was 31 and 32 yo, with no family history of downs. Both boys were fine. We were able to make a determination of their lowered risk simply by having a level 2 ultra sound. I was so scared the first timearound. Second time, not so much. Wondering what it is about me that gives off these increased risk results.
- —Guest B MoM
New mommy always nervous
- I am 19 weeks, going in for my first OB ultrasound. I had an ultrasound once before in the ER for bleeding. But came back fine. They told me I was 12 weeks. Where as my OB say's I'm almost 20. At my last apt. I got the blood drawn for the AFP test. And I'm more shocked now that I didn't get called with some false positive. After you get the blood drawn for the test , my advice is to forget about. And only worry if you get a call. Not going to say every time the phone rang I didn't hit the roof. I'm 19, and just about 20 weeks pregnant. And I feel so bad for all these scary stories. I wanted to share mine. Good lucky other mommies. :(
- —Guest Chelsea
a night mare
- my test was 1/13, im 38 years old., im so sad. will have amnio next tuesday. if i knew this test will create this, i will never do it,
- —Guest maria
omg
- My test came back abnormal as well the doctor told me to wait for a call from the hospital so that was Monday so today is Thursday and I'm waiting cause in a few hours ill have my level 2 ultra sound prayers going up never again will I take this test
- —Guest Mz Barbie3
Positive 1/290 for downs
- I really wish I didn't take this test, it has so many false positive to neg, my nt was fine baby fluid was 2.0, hgc 2.97 and Papp was 1.47 I don't know how this works but I thought ds usually has high hgc and a low Papp. I have chosen not to go ahead with amnio as my odds of losing the baby is greater than my risk of downs. I think the risk of losing a normal baby to amnio would be way worse than having a down syndrome child. Theres always adoption you don't have to terminate the pregnancy if the odds aren't in yr favour
- —Guest Kat
Two out of Three False Results for Me
- My heart breaks when I read each of your stories. I know the worry and stress you're experiencing - I have three children and two of them tested in the danger zone for DS. I am elated to report that all three of my children were born healthy - no learning disabilities or other challenges, beyond occassional obstinance. Please - if I can encourage any of you in any way - please, please give yourself a break. You can view additional markers, and even do an amnio if you must, but please don't worry. The stress hormones are shared with your baby and should be minimized as much as possible. Try to relax, focus on the happiness you're about to experience and the joy you can act on now as you prepare for the new life you're bringing into the world. Blessings to you.
- —Guest Lisa W
Trisomy 18
- I am 20 yrs old and 19 wks pregnant with my first baby. My doctor called me and warned me that my baby had an increased risk for trisomy 18. Not knowing that it could be false positive before reading every ones comments. I've cried so much until I jus dnt know what to do anymore. I'm relieved to know that it could be false positive. I've only had one u/s done and was scheduled for my next one in august. I haven't heard anythng about a level 2 u/s or amnio but I'm sure gona ask my doctor about it. I'm so scared but I'm hoping for the best. God is with me, hopefully everythng will wrk out in our favor.
- —Guest Worried
scared first mom
- I took my AFP test like two months ago my first test results came back negative but the second came back positive i have been waiting for almost a month to have my 3d ultra should to see if my baby will have NTD this is my first baby i am so nervous i am only 20 and this is my first baby i am just praying for a false positive this is just scaring me i love my baby all ready so much i just pray she is ok please pray for me nd my little baby girl
- —Guest Danielle
1-15 of 156Next
