This test is another method of screening maternal blood to detect spinal defects and chromosone abnormalities, especially Down syndrome. This test goes beyond alpha-fetoprotein testing and consists of one blood sample taken between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy to analyze three substances: MSAFP, Human Chorionic gonadutropin (HCG) and estriol. The levels of these three substances in your blood may indicate the presence of Down syndrome.
The triple screen test is used to indicate whether your baby is at higher risk for having a neural tube defect, Down syndrome, along with other rare conditions. In other words, an abnormal test result does not necessarily mean your baby will have a birth defect. Although abnormally high levels of AFP are sure to cause concern, the great majority of pregnant women with high AFP levels have nothing wrong. There are many other causes of elevated levels of AFP, including a pregnancy which is not dated correctly (if you are actually farther along than estimated, then AFP levels will be higher than expected), if you are carrying twins, or if the initial interpretation of your test results didn’t consider your weight, race or the presence of diabetes- all of which also affect AFP levels.
It usually takes less than three days to get the results from the triple screen test, depending on the lab performing the tests. Ask your doctor when you can expect to hear the results.
More Tests
—Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Good advice is hard to come by as what’s considered good advice today may not be considered good years later. Take for example, Teflon, the biggest craze in the 70’s due to the non-sticking nature of the coating, replaced most all coating . Today, Teflon is looked down upon by some who say it is linked to cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and high cholesterol. That wonderful product that was raved about is now something to stay away from. That said, we’ve gathered a few things on a list for the expectant mom that are considered good tips for 2014!
Exercise is good in pregnancy and can lower the risk of miscarriage, so that’s really good news. It is said to reduce complications when in labor and even reduce the time of your labor, but don’t overdo it.
Start taking prenatal vitamins before you’re pregnant. Prenatal vitamins help nail and hair health even when not pregnant. I take them and I’m not expecting. In fact, some recommend prenatal vitamins after cancer treatments to help hair return faster and healthier. There you have it! I get mine from 
When cleaning around the house, opt for organic or natural cleaners instead of harsh ones or those full of chemicals and toxic ingredients. If you must use a chemical cleaner, be sure to wear rubber gloves as the toxins can penetrate your skin and enter the bloodstream and reach your baby. We found a great natural cleaner tips at 
If you have a cat, don’t change your cat litter. Have someone else do it for you. Coming into contact with the feces or urine of a cat may infect you with toxoplasmosis. One more chore off your list! From Wikipedia, “Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.[1] The parasite infects most genera of warm-blooded animals, including humans, but the primary host is the felid (cat) family. ”
Do leg and foot stretches before heading to bed. I still remember the pain of waking up in the middle of the night with a horrible foot cramp that my husband could only fix if he grabbed my foot and pulled it up toward me. I didn’t know that you’re supposed to stretch before bedtime.
Lastly, be prepared to order a dinner while out and by the time the plate comes out from the kitchen, you’ve decided you want your husband’s meal instead. The funny thing is, I could never get away with this when not pregnant. But when pregnant, my husband would gladly give in knowing there was absolutely no rhyme or reason to it, nor could I change that craving.
