High AFP levels

[yumeymummy]

Has anyone been told they have high Alpa Feta Protein levels for no reason??
I was told after the screening blood test that i did and they did me a scan the following week at 17 wks to check all is well with me and baby as it can mean risk of bowel problems, or even spina bifida in the baby but all was perfect with the baby, and the placenta etc was all working well, so they said it could be one of those things. Im having my anomally scan next week at 22 and half wks ans they said theyd check everything again obviously but they said theyre not worried and the high levels are just one of those things. But i still cant help but worry. Has anyone had similar?? x

My sister had high AFP levels when expecting my niece. She was tested again a couple of weeks later and it was higher. She had a scan and was told all looked well, not to worry. However, she did worry and insisted on an amnio. Results were fine and so was niece when born. I think that bleeding in early pg is one of the things that can raise AFP levels.

I had very high levels, in fact so high that before the detailed scan b. midwife told me to come in and prepare for termination (in those words graceless old witch). He was absolutely fine. Try not to worry.

Slowreader, thats terrible! I cant believe your midwife said that! I know they have to prepare u but she shouldnt have said that till they knew anything for sure. Glad all was well for you tho.

So what are the reasons for high AFP levels then if the babys is healthy and well???! Does anyone know?

Afraid she really did say that (and told my nextdoor neighbours too) she was a very old fashioned and bossy person.
DS had sacral dimple we found when he was born (hence high AFP) it must have healed really early and done him no harm, otherwise he would have had spina bifida. The scan showed he hadn't, and I should have believed it but worried instead, as you do. This is 14 years ago (DS now 5'9" and running cross country). I am sure that the modern scans are even more accurate and if yours said perfect then it really is perfect.
Sometimes I think you can know too much. We refused all tests with DD, much less stressful and she was perfect too.