Marginal cord insertion and elevated AFP

Hello Mommies!

I thought I would share to ease some of your minds in case any of you get the same results (and have as much anxiety as I do!)

My AFP/ quad screen came back elevated (just over 2.7). I’m 33, this is my 4th baby and I’m taking several medicines for a heart and clotting condition.

Went to have an ultrasound and Baby is perfect. App says he should weigh 5 ounces and he already weighs 8! One tubby tubby! 🤣

Anyways, they did discover that my placenta has a marginal cord insertion (which means the cord connects to the placenta on the side like a lollipop instead of in the center like a tree trunk). Because of my high risk status, my ultrasound was at the maternal fetal medicine office. The doctor there assured me over and over that this isn’t a big deal and most likely won’t ever be. It’s possible.... that it could make it harder for the baby to get what he needs from the placenta later on during the pregnancy so they’ll do what they were going to do anyways and just watch him closely at the end. Additionally, (and really just like any other baby), if the poor placement of the cord makes it harder for the baby to get what he needs, it could make it harder for him to endure labor which means.... I’m slightly more likely to have a c-section. Finally, if I do deliver vaginally, the doctors have to be careful not to pull on the cord because it could literally detach from the placenta and cause severe bleeding. I’m confident that my baby and I are in good hands. If anyone has any experiences to share about delivering with a marginal cord insertion... PLEASE SHARE! 😊

And for any Moms who get an elevated AFP/ quad screen.... try, try, try to not panic. It does NOT mean your baby HAS a problem. This test merely looks at the odds.

Hope that helps!!! 💕❤️

Cheers to being about halfway!!!