Quad Screen

The doctor called back (in record speed, mind you) to tell us that our quad screen came back normal! So, praise God for that! I wasn't worried about Downs Syndrome or anything, but always wonder about spinal defects, etc. Sounds like baby is perfect! The quad screen measures four things: alpha-fetoprotein (protein produced by baby), hCG (hormone in placenta), estriol (estrogen produced by baby and placenta), and Inhibin-A (protein produced by placenta and ovaries). The purpose of the test is to screen for neural tube defects (like spina bifida) and chromosomal abnormalities (like Down and Edwards Syndrome). So, it does help to put my mind at ease that baby soared through the first tri with no defects. Those folic acid pills seem to work! =)