Who takes the AFP test?
All pregnant women are usually offered the AFP test. But, your doctor may recommend the test, especially if you: • Are 35 or older • Have a family history of birth defects • Have diabetes • Have taken certain drugs or medication during pregnancy How is this test performed? The AFP test is usually done between weeks 14 and 20 of pregnancy. It is most accurate, though, when done between weeks 16 and 18. A blood sample is taken from a vein in the mother’s arm. Results are usually available within a couple of weeks. What does an abnormal test result mean? The AFP test and all screening tests cannot diagnose a defect. They can only determine if the baby is at a greater risk for certain abnormalities. In fact, in most cases of abnormal AFP results, the baby will not have any problems at all. Often, the atypical result just means the fetus is a few weeks older or younger than originally thought. The range of normal results is different during each week of pregnancy. This is why it is importan
