Higher than normal AFP marker

[GB2206]

I had a blood test for the Down syndrome screening as the baby wasn't in the right position and they couldn't do it using the scan at 12 weeks so I had a blood test at 15+4 instead.

Received a call from the midwife this afternoon to say that the Down syndrome was a low chance at 1 in 100,000 which is good but apparently my AFP marker level is higher than normal so they've asked me to come in for a scan on Wednesday as this could be a sign of spina bifida.

I'm freaking out! Can't really find what the chances are of spina bifida in pregnancy although the midwife did say that sometimes AFP levels are just high for no reason. There's no spina bifida in either side of the family and I was taking folic acid for months before I fell pregnant so I'm hoping that means everything will most likely be okay? Been in a right state this afternoon, having to wait for 2 whole days before I get the scan is like torture.

Has anyone had any experiences with this? Good or bad, I need to be prepared...

Went for the scan at the foetal medicine unit and was seen by a consultant as well as a midwife. Scan took about 40mins and they eventually concluded that the baby looked normal and gave me the all clear. They couldn't see any reasons for my increased AFP levels but because they know they're higher than normal they're going to keep an eye on me and get me in for growth scans at 33 and 37 weeks.

It's been an incredibly stressful couple of days not knowing if everything was okay but we were well taken care of and over the moon with the positive result.

Just in case anyone comes across this post and was wondering what the outcome was.

Just to say that I had this with my first son. He was born a healthy 7lb 15oz and is a strapping teenager now.