In need of some reassurance

[BellaMay]

I'm curious about how many moms of twins out there had the AFP test/triple screen done.

I just returned from my doctor's office where I got horrible results on the triple screen blood test. I had a 1:66 chance of down's and a 1:99 chance of spina bifida. I am really sure of my dates, since I had been charting for six months prior to concieving, and since I am measuring about four weeks ahead of dates at 17 weeks along...could I be having twins?

Did any of you find out that you were pregnant with multiples after taking the AFP test?

I'm scheduled for a level 2 ultrasound on Friday, but I really need some help to stop the worrying now...

Any responses would be truly appreciated.

[laralou]

Didn't take the AFP, but wanted to say: Go get that ultrasound! You'll drive yourself crazy until you do. Good luck and if it is 2, come back and we'll help you figure it all out, k?

BTW, I had no reason to think I was having twins except I was really big at 2 months.

[Tigerchild]

We spotted the twins relatively early...my doctor told me not to bother with the quad screen, because the multiple factor would throw it off, plus we were having placenta problems...so the test would be useless as a screen since we knew it'd come back abnormal.

I think it helps to understand that this screening test is NOT a test of abnormalities of the *baby*, it's a test of placenta function. This is why there are so many 'false' positives. If you've got a bigger/smaller placenta than average, if there's something a little off that will be grown out of by the time you get to the second trimester, ANYTHING like that, it will throw your numbers off. If your dates are off, it will throw it off, because the placenta will be in a different stage than the 'average'.

However, I don't think you can stop worrying until the u/s...that's mama-nature for you. But please understand that this test is a measure of the placenta function that is then translated into 'risks' for various problems. Because of this 'double translation', it's very likely to be off.

I don't know if this helps, but I hope it does a little. I had no idea that the screen was NOT a direct measurement of fetal well being until my doctor explained to me how it works.

[mom3]

We found out at 9 weeks that we were having twins (I went to my OB for the initial pg visit, she didn't hear a heartbeat and did an u/s to date the pg and there my boys were!). She didn't even recommend the test because it wouldn't have made a difference to my dh or me. They were our babies and we loved them. We figured that any serious problems would show up with the additional u/s. If you're sure of your dates there's a good chance you are carrying twins (what do your instincts tell you?). Scary at first but you'll figure it out just like the rest of us did. Try to remember that many of these tests are seriously flawed to the point that many women deliver completely healthy babies after being told they definitely have Downs, Spina Bifida, etc. If it turns out to be twins, then welcome to the club!

[angie6]

I decided against the test with the twins (which I didn't find out were twins until 19 weeks), and with two of my other children. My midwife and my previous OB said it is just not a very reliable test and especially with multiples! I too agreed that I would love my child regardless and didn't need test results to make my pregnancy that of fear! Get some reassurance so you can enjoy this pregnancy and stay away from the rest of the standard tests!
Angie

[BellaMay]

No twins...

Just lots more questions...

[Periwinkle]

BellaMay, to you.

Don't worry too much. I'd go with your odds any day.

These tests are notoriously poor predictors, just like TigerChild said. What has been thoroughly studied is the impact of maternal anxiety (e.g., caused by these tests!) on fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes.

If I were you, I'd work with your doctor to see if there IS anything wrong, but if nothing comes up, then just try to trust your body and your baby.

I know that's easy to say, but a lot of us have "been there" through one pregnancy/labor crisis or another.

I'll be thinking of you, hoping all's OK.