The Great AFP Debate: How Should You Weigh In?

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The Great AFP Debate: How Should You Weigh In?

Posted on 11 10, 2009 under Predad by Noodad | Comments

652136_blood Unfortunately, pregnancy is harder than just dealing with your wife's nausea, insecurities, and fatigue. Sometimes along the way, you and your wife will have to deal with some seriously important questions.

One of these important decisions comes around the 16th week of pregnancy. It is the decision on whether or not to take the AFP test. AFP stands for Alphafetoprotein, a protein made by your unborn kid and secreted through their liver and then dumped into your wife's blood. The test is a simple blood test that checks for abnormally high or low levels of that protein.

The reason the test is controversial is not because of the blood giving part (your pregnant wife will be giving blood for one reason or another quite frequently). The basis of controversy is about the reliability of the results and what the results may tell you. The results of the test can give you and your doctor advanced notice on potential neural tube defects in your kid. These defects could include major defects like anencephaly and spina bifida —both conditions that frequently result in stillborn births or death shortly after birth. A low AFP level can also give you indication your kid may be born with Down Syndrome.

{mosnooad}There are many reasons why you and your wife may choose to have this test performed. Some people feel that advanced notice gives them the option to terminate the pregnancy and try again for a healthier one. Others believe that a positive test result gives them enough time to prepare for the special needs their kid may be born with.

But for every reason that may point you to getting the test, there may be one that steers you against it. Experts disagree on the reliability of a positive result with these tests. Some say the "False positive" rate is only 5% yet others say it can be as high as 80%! Personally, how "experts" can differ that greatly really pisses me off. You would think that with all the technology these days, people would know more. But they don't so you are out of luck.

Another reason people argue against taking the test is the fact that a typical follow-up test to a positive AFP test is amniocentesis which can carry up to a 2% rate of fetal loss. Some opponents to the test argue that they would not do the amniocentesis test anyways, so why worry with the first test.

Here's what you need to know noodads:

This test is optional. But talking about it, is not. When your pregnant wife wants to talk about it with you, you better give it a thought. Because no reaction to this issue makes it seem like you don't give a damn. Believe me, you do. There is no wrong answer to this answer. It is only what you and your wife want to do.