Bad News

We got the results of our maternal serum screen (also known as a triple or quad screen) today. The news isn't good.

The screen measures levels of a protein in maternal blood, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). This protein is produced my the baby and levels cross the placenta into the mom's blood. So by measuring the difference in levels it can be an indicator of a potential problem. Just because a test comes back abnormal doesn't mean there is something wrong, it just shows there is a high risk for the problem. The test predicts one of two things.
1. If AFP levels are abnormally low it can indicate genetic chromesome disorders, such as Down's Syndrome.
2. If AFP levels are abnormally high it can indicate a neuro tube defect.
This level is compared to risk factors and other hormones before results are made, the abnormal combination of factors is what increases the risk. There's a good website that explains this in more detail for those interested: http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1166.asp

So back to us...
My AFP levels were "exceptionally high" putting me in the highest risk category because of how low my other risk factors are (age, obesity, diabetes and more). This is devistating news. What if there is a problem with my child? Every parents worst nightmare. On top of this the soonest we can get in to see the specialist in Edmonton is two weeks from now. This is going to be the longest two weeks of our life. For more information on spina bifida see: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1224.asp

In constant prayer,
Mel and Kev