Elivated AFP after quad test.... any info?

[pinklily1983]

Hi all,

Had midwife call me today with quad results. Good news is a low risk of DS, bad news is I have an elevated AFP. The cut off is 2.5 and I have just gone over at 2.56.

Now have to wait 19 days for a US with a consultant!

Just wondering if any has had similar experience.

Looking online suggests higher risk of neural tube defect, abdominal wall defect, higher risk of early birth/still birth or could just be my levels are naturally high or baby older than measured.

This waiting is awful

 

[pinklily1983]

Well had a scan at 17w5days and no sign of any major defects, just a bit small by about 1 week. Had 20 week scan today and has grown but still too small for age. Also showed an echogenic bowel. Sonographer thinks its highly likely it due to bleed early on in pregnancy but now reading online am more concerned especially when you link to size. Waiting another 2 weeks now for further scan!!!!

 

[Karenesque9]

Sending prayers your way

 

[pinklily1983]

Well had scan today and echogenic bowel has disappeared . Baby still small for weeks but progressing in the right direction in such a short time, has even improved slightly on two of the measurements. Have another u/s in 5 weeks to check still growing ok so lets hope all the mince pies and rest at Xmas will help!

They think that a bleed caused the results or may have been an infection in early pregnancy putting baby back a bit an is now starting to catch up. The only thing doc couldn't rule out was a chromosomal abnormality, however the only sign is really its size and downs result came out as 1:4000 (which could be slightly higher risk if the bleed has skewed results) - all other organs appear normal. He thinks its very low risk of abnormality but had to offer us invasive testing if we wanted to be sure. We have decided the invasive testing is more risky that the risk of abnormality so declined, especially as i'm now 22 weeks.

 

[socitycourty]

I had a very high level on Inhibin A on my second trimester bloodwork, which indicated premature delivery, stillbirth, or Down's Syndrome risks. I also had a marginal cord placement and bleeding in the first tri. It was very scary but my doctor didn't recommend an amnio or CVS. I just had to wait till she was born and then she was perfect! but it was very nervewracking.

 

[pinklily1983]

Just thought I would finish this thread just in case anyone else has the same happen in the future. LO decided to come 4 weeks early at 4lb 10oz. It appears the above problems had been caused by a bleed behind the placenta. Looks like she may have also stopped growing as same weight as the estimated growth scan 2 weeks earlier. At 16 weeks she has moved to the 25th percentile based on weight and premi adjustment... shes ding fantastically well and now not looking that small against similar aged babies.