Quad Screen Results

After yet another long talk and discussion, Chad and I decided to have the Quad Screen Test (quadruple screen, AFP4, or multiple marker is a blood test that can tell you whether your baby is at an increased risk for certain problems: down syndrome and trisomy 18, which are chromosomal abnormalities, as well as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida) for this pregnancy. I personally like to be as prepared and educated as possible. If there were to be something my child and family are going to have to face in life, why not do the research while I can and be mentally as well as physically ready for the challenges ahead of us. Everyone dreams of a healthy and easy pregnancy and child, does it always pan out that way...? NO but in my mind that is a risk you take when choosing to bring a child into this world.
I gave blood for the test at my 18 week appointment last Tuesday and have waited anxiously all week for the results (knowing they would be a bit delayed with the holiday season upon us). Today at Ellery's 2 year check up, the dr gave me the results in person. Everything came back negative! This was great news.
I know that the results are not 100% accurate. In fact, after researching more I found the quad screen detects at least 70 percent of babies with trisomy 18 and about 85 percent of those with neural tube defects. For Down syndrome, the quad screen detects about 80 percent of affected babies. But for now I am using this as positive information and am not going to stress about it. I am celebrating in fact with a large decaf iced coffee! :)