Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Test

Other pregnant people and mom types casually mention little things like the AFP test. Before I knew it I was in the doctor's office and the nurse was taking more blood while the doctor distracted me with another ultra-sound. This test is done during the 4th month and determines if there is a potential for Down's Syndrome, Spina Bifida, other tubal defects and mental retardation. It is truly amazing what they can determine just by looking at my blood.

On Friday, G and I were back in her office waiting patiently. She waltzed in and warmed up the ultra-sound machine as she flipped through my chart. My eyes just bug out as I look at the little head and watch the heart beating. Completely distracted we almost forgot to ask about the test results. "Oh yeah, everything is just fine. We would have called you if there had been any problems." My doctor is cool as a goddamn cucumber, that's why I like her.

Now, this does not mean that the baby won't have any problems. (Look at the geeky parents it will be lucky enough to be raised by...) However the chances are just less that it will have any of those scarey ones I mentioned before.

As we were leaving, they handed me a bright colored orange drink that I am to take about 45 minutes before my next appointment. This is for a glucose test for me (not the baby). Apparently, a small percentage of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. If I am diagnosed with diabetes, most likely I will have to modify my sugar intake for the last trimester. As this baby constantly craves sugar, this might be an irksome task.

But hell, I have not had a drink for over five months and I'm a little cranky but still hanging in there.

This week I am to be scheduled for a major ultra-sound at the USC clinic where they can take a good look at the developing baby and yes, my patient friends and family, they can see if there is a penis or not a penis...

Posted by Molli at May 17, 2002 06:52 PM