PE & MSAFP?

[evansmom]

This isn't a real PE concern (well, maybe), just a pregnant mommy concern. I had my MSAFP test on Monday. I didn't get the results yet, but I'm already thinking the worst [xx(](the cynical New Yorker in me). I remember reading in a few posts that women with PE have had abnormal results on this test? I was wondering if anyone can clear this up -- I'm not too sure of the connection (does it have something to do with the placenta?) Anyway, my first preg, the AFP was a-okay, and I went on to develop HBP. Just looking for any red flags. Thanks!

Lauren 27
DH Jeff
Evan 12-9-01 (PIH @ 29 weeks)
EDD 7-11-04

[akemt]

Lauren,

My guess is that there have been no responses because people aren't sure of the answer. Perhaps this is a good question to take to the "ask the experts" forum?

Did you check out the previous discussion about the AFP?

Catherine (22)
DH Britton (27)
Emma Margaret (03/02/03) 37 weeks from PIH & oligo
Baby #2 due August 11, 2004

[ileana]

Lauren,

There is a link... If the AFP is too high, that might mean there is a problem with the placenta. I found this nicely described in a book, but I'm too swamped today to find the quote and copy it here.

If your test is abnormal, just let us know, and I'll try to find the quote.



Ileana 33
Angel stillborn 24w p-e 2/17/03

[evansmom]

Thanks girls. I did some research in my Mayo Clinic book on Pregnancy and Baby's First Year. I read that yes, there can be high levels of AFP due to placental damage (caused by things like HBP). Seem that the damaged placenta will cause more AFP to leak & circulate in mom's blood stream. I am just praying my test is normal -- one less thing to worry about!!

Lauren 27
DH Jeff
Evan 12-9-01 (PIH @ 29 weeks)
EDD 7-11-04

[taras mom]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, Lauren!

Carol (38)
DH Bill (40)
Tara Mairichi
12/7-12/9, 2002
The Mightiest Little Angel

[sherry fisher]

Thats a good question! My AFP did come back elevated with Will AND Alex, now that I think about it! They did constant monitoring of their spines through ultrasounds. ALL was fine, Thank GOD! HMMMMM, I had not heard this before! Makes me wonder now?!?!?!?!?!?

Sherry Fisher (28)
DH: Bill (35)
Proud Mama to:
#1) Alex 1/1/94-PE
#2) Abbie 12/17/97-PIH
#3 Will 08/03/02-PP PE
#4) EDD: 4/27/04
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/b/babyfish3/
Pregnancy Updates, ultrasound pictures, and the countdown: http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/b/babyfish4/

[deerhart]

on the other hand, both my AFP tests were well within normal range in both my pregnancies.

Erin

Mommy to Alex and Mason

[ileana]

The AFP is done at 15 w. The placenta can become diseased after that... the normal test probably just indicates that your placenta did not have this sort of problem as early on.

I suppose there might be a connection between the AFP test and IUGR.

[?]I'm curious, Sherry, did Will and Alex have IUGR or they had appropriate sizes for their gestational age?[?]

I heard about women that got extremely sick, but their babies looked plump and happy. The only reason they delivered was that the mother was in danger.





Ileana 33
Angel stillborn 24w p-e 2/17/03

[deerhart]

Actually I had both my AFP tests done very late (20 weeks both time) and both times I had already started showing symptomns of PE.

It just continues to further the notion that PE occurs for different reasons and different ways in different people.

As for IUGR, my oldest child was very small for his age, while my second child was small but still a decent size for his (my oldest was born 37 weeks at 5 lbs 10 oz 5% weight, my youngest at 36 weeks at 6lbs 12 oz and almost 40%)

Erin

Mommy to Alex and Mason