Pregnancy Quad Screenings

Lil Community: Advice For a Positive Quad Screening

April 30, 2010

This question was submitted by amberetta1 in the Pregnancy Posse group.

I just got a call from my OBGYN this morning that my quad screen results showed an increased AFP, making me "at risk" for neural tube defect. I have been Googling and searching all morning. I realize that this could mean absolutely nothing, and I'm trying not to freak out. I have a sonogram scheduled in two weeks for "a detailed ultrasound of baby's anatomy". I am 17 weeks.

Has anyone else had this happen and what was your outcome?

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6 Comments

amberetta1 3 years 3 weeks

Thanks ladies for the support ;) I'm also surprised to see this as a "featured topic". I am trying to just relax and go with the flow; the things I HAVE read all say basically the same thing, ex: out of 1000women tested, 50 will test positive for increased risk, and out of those 50, only maybe 2 will truly have a defect. I think it just really shocked me b/c I kinda just went and did the test, ladi-da, not really thinking anything would come out of it. So when I got that phone call...well it just really hit me. Thanks again for the support and advice, and I will definitely keep you posted on the outcome of my US next week. =)

runningesq 3 years 3 weeks

I can't offer you any other advice than STEP AWAY FROM GOOGLE ! There is a lot of information on the internet, and most of it is pure junk. Hang in there ((()))

flyinggrip 3 years 3 weeks

If only the AFP was high, then your risk is probably only elevated for a neural tube defect, like spina bifida. If the other markers on the test are higher or lower than average, then the risk for other disorders like Down syndrome or Trisomy 13 or 18 might be elevated. Its important to remember that this is just a screening test and does not mean that there is something wrong with your baby. Your doctor will probably suggest a more detailed level II ultrasound to look more closely at the baby's spine and other organs. Another option, is to pursue AFP testing via amniocentesis. This will tell how much AFP is in the amniotic fluid which can be more informative that the amount that is in your blood and this test can also look at the baby's chromosomes if there is an increased risk for DS or Tri 13/18. Try not to worry too much and don't read too much online, a lot of what you find is the worst case scenarios. Speak with your doctor or genetic counselor instead.

LilaBo 3 years 3 weeks

got a false positive result with BOTH my girls, and totally freaked out the first time. they are both healthy, happy and feisty as ever! :)

3 years 3 weeks

Don't stress! I had elevated AFP with all three of my (very healthy) boys. I agree that it is most likely that your dates are a bit off. When you have your ultrasound, and they print out pictures, be sure to ask for a brain picture. We show our kids theirs and remind them, "We know you have one - see? Now use it!".

3 years 3 weeks

I am a sonographer. It all depends how elevated the AFP is and with these things you can get false positives and negatives. Howerver- typically, elevated AFP suggests an open defect. Which means something is outside of its normal position with no skin covering it. Decreased AFP can suggest trisomys and other defects. Here is an example of how you could get a false negative: If a baby had trisomy 13, gastroscisis (gi tract outside of abdomen) is common accompanying condition. The trisomy 13 would decrease the afp but the gastroscisis would bring it back up, causing a normal impression. If the sample was taken from your blood, and not from the baby-the elevation could have something to do with you instead. Most likely your dates are off and your farther along than you thought. Another possibility is twins.

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