This includes potential psychological risk. As medical providers, we fall into the misguided notion that everyone needs and wants to know everything. I have known couples who did not want to know the gender of their unborn child after an ultrasound, but they did not want to be the ONLY ones who did not know. When they were told, they felt a bit cheated. I think you did the right thing in having the amnio.
Maternal stress can have adverse effects upon the fetus also.
The value of the AFP in preparing for a baby with a neural tube defect or with Down syndrome cannot be ignored. Care providers see these benefits every day, but unfortunately, can be insensitive to those who suffer false positive tests. Watch kids controlling behavior of breath holding. Most children do not get enough water in their diet. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment.