hi everybody,
thanks to all,u r all so conciderate.this board has really made my life easy.i have learnt so much from u all.
NOW another IMP ques:have ur doctors asked u all for AFP test?this is not compulsory but can u all give me a decision whether i go for it or not?have u all decided to go for this test.
PLS REPLY.next appo i have to tell them whether i will go for it or not.
DEBI
----------------------------- autumn replied. I took that test and it came back normal. I am not so worried, now. Kavitha replied. The amount of AFP in the blood of a pregnant woman can help indicate if her fetus may have such problems as spina bifida, the absence of part of the brain and spinal cord (anencephaly), or Down syndrome. The level of AFP in the blood is often used along with the results from two other tests (estriol and human chorionic gonadotropin) to detect Down syndrome. WHEN DONE TOGETHER THESE THREE TESTS ARE CALLED THE TRIPLE TEST.

There is no harm in going for AFP since it is done by drawing blood.If the results are good then nothing to worry.But if the results show otherwise, then u may have to make decision regarding going for amniocenthesis test depending on your doctor, he or she may or may not recommend this.Amniocenthesis is more reliable test in case of down syndrome.But it is normally prescribed for pregnant woman who are 35+ and also to those who have had their first kid with such syndrome.In other situations, doctors may not recommend this test.This test is done taking sample of amniotic fluid.Doctors normally suggest bed rest for 24 hrs after amniocenthesis.There is also very small risk of miscarriage.

Discuss with your doctor regarding AFP , u will get more info.Here in US , doctors normally do this test for everyone.If u are still confused , go to the site webmd or refer the book \";what to expect when you're expecting\";.
Hope this helps u.
smitha replied. Hi debi,

AFP as i understand is to determine neural defects in the baby...as u have rightly mentioned it is not a compulsary test...some literature i went thru said that...this test tends to give abnormal results in about 50% of women while only 2% of the fetuses may be actually affected. further, it seems there is another test called...Triple test screening which is getting increasingly popoular instead of AFP and it also helps detect Downs syndrome..(which represents a high possibility in women who have concieved beyond the age of 30 ). so maybe u need to make up ur mind if u really want to take these tests or not..
Btw..I have decided not to take any of these tests...(moreover, my GP hasn't asked me to go through any of these too)
take care,
Luv,
Smitha