AFP Test

Here in Ireland they don't give the AFP test, unless requested. I have heard that a lot of people receive false positives and then have to have an amnio. My question is this, has anyone opted not to have this test or received a false +?

I am nervous because I don't want to get a false + and then have to have an amnio, which I really don't want to have.

I did get a false positive - I opted against the amnio - I was afraid of the risks. But, they had me sooo scared.
However - I think it is advisable if you are 35 and over. Since I was 26 at the time - I felt the amnio un-necessary.
I think that you will hear stories about the AFP test - bad and good. But I for one did not have a good experience with it, and went through the second half of my pregnancy scared that my son would have downs syndrome.

I would never get the AFP, in fact they are in the process of replacing this test with another test similar to the sono which is only used in France, it has to do more with measuring the baby and facial structure, etc. The AFP has been so problematic. I have had friends who have had false positives and they had a miserable last few months of pregnancy only to give birth to beautiful, healthy babies. The other thing you have to think of is what can be done if it comes back abnormal, nothing much, they may just have a neonatologist in the delivery room, but they usually have an oncall doc available regardless of your AFP just in case of an emergency. I'd rather enjoy my pregnancy than be miserable for possibly no reason.
Unless you'd abort, why bother?

Thank you for all your responses. I think I am going to opt out of the test since I am 29 and have a good medical history. It is great to hear some girls decided against it too.

Thanks again.