Twin Pregnancy Week by Week: 21 (Positive AFP Results)
September 23, 2009 at 11:56 AM by Cafe Cynthia - Comments (2)
Photo by wntg1grl
We're joining Kim (aka wntg1grl), a stay-at-home mom of three who's expecting twins, on her exciting journey from bump-to-babies. Check back every week for the latest developments.
Week 21
I'm feeling a lot more kicks. The doctor says it's impossible to tell one baby from the other. Some of you wondered why I have ultrasounds at each appointment ... that's why. To make sure both babies are okay.
Last week I took the final blood test for my AFP. This is the second trimester test. It came back POSITIVE! Grrr!
I'm not worried about the results because I will not change anything with the pregnancy. I will not have an amniocentesis unless it is a MUST for a medical purpose.
The nurse did however tell me that with twins it MAY be harder to get accurate results. This was the third part of the testing process. In my first trimester, I had a blood test, then the nuchal scan (a sono). With those results combined, my chances were 1 in 330 of having a baby with Down syndrome. Now, with this blood test, it's 1 in 94.
I will see the genetic counselor today, and they will do another sono looking for different signs of Down such as bone length, facial structure, and I'm sure much more than that. I am happy to do that, and DH is coming with me. Another chance to see the girls!
I have heard of MANY women having a positive result, then having no problems with their child. I refuse to worry. I am given what I am given, and will act accordingly.
I am still hoping for a vaginal delivery. After giving my urine sample, the nurse did say that it spilled sugar. She said this is just because I ate within the last couple of hours ... but I know it's because I ate a deluxe breakfast from Micky D's. Not a good day to splurge!
What's Happening with Babies:
We're about 10 ounces and measuring about 8 inches long – about the size of a large are about 1/3 of the size of our bodies now. Rapid eye movements begin at twenty-one weeks, and we can hear you when you talk or sing to us.
Question of the Week from Answers:
Can you have a vaginal delivery while pregnant with twins? -- tiffany275
Xynyth: Sure, people were having twins and more vaginally long before C-sections were ever an option.
StarLee: I know several people that have done it. My twin sisters were born vaginally. Two sets of cousins were, also.
Past Weeks:
FILED UNDER: 2nd trimester, weekly pregnancy calendar, wntg1grl
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Hi Kim,
My name is Rhonda and I live in Phoenix, AZ and I have identical twin boys. I don't remember what my risk count was for Down's but we did not do the amnio either and our boys came out fine. They were 5lbs. 6oz. and 5lbs. 12oz. When is your due date and you are having girls? What names have you picked out? My boys are Ethan Alexander and Benjamin James and they will be 15 months old in two days. Are your twins identical or fraternal and where do you live? Look forward to hearing from you.
Rhonda
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Oh Kim - I know what you're going through! I had a neck scan at my 12 week ultrasound, which seemed to come out normal. My finger stick test, however, came back as "elevated", so I was at a 1 in 88 risk of having a Down's baby. The doctor sent me to a genetic counselor too, and as nervous and scared as I was, she was so great and very thorough in explaining everything. I brought my friend Amber with me (I highly suggest bringing a second set of ears) and I couldn't have done it without her. They set me up for a full-anatomy ultrasound and an amnio, which I had last Tuesday. Everything on the ultrasound looked great - and we got to see that our little miracle is a boy! It totally made the amnio worth it! I should get my results of the amnio by Friday, so we are keeping our fingers crossed! Don't be too scared - like the doc said, it's 1 in 94 and you have twins, so it might not give you accurate results. They told me the same thing - that the results aren't always accurate. I know this seems like a big poo-poo on your wonderful miracles, but I'm sure everything will come out fine! I'm praying for ya!!
mrsflorea Sep. 23, 2009 at 3:42 PM