16 week bloods - abnormal AFP (Alphafetoprotein) any experience?

[DaisyB]

Hi

I was called to see the midwife yesterday as part of my 16week bloods came back abnormal. MY AFP (Alphafetoprotein) level was 2.58. This can be an indicator of spina bifida but as I had my 21week scan the day before and they had checked the spine etc I have been told not to worry and probably just a pregnancy anomoly (easy for them to say). I just wondered if anyone had any experience of this?
Many thanks

I haven't experineced this personally (though had 'false positive' triple test), but have heard from health professionals that false positives with afp are extremely common, and one of the most 'inaccurate' of all the maternal serum screening tests. Re: spina bifida, my hospital follows up elevated afp with scans, and not amnios, and any problems will be revealed then. As your scan was fine, I would say relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!
I'm sure others with more knowledge than me will have advice too

sorry, not sure what button I pressed there!