The baby might have an abdominal wall defect, a condition wherein the intestines or other organs are located outside the body. High levels of AFP—when it should be lower—might indicate genetic disorders or conditions, including spina bifida , anencephaly , certain structural defects, or some chromosomal abnormalities, though low levels are associated with Down syndrome. A neural tube defect is an abnormal fetal brain or spinal cord that is caused by folic acid deficiency during pregnancy. Accurate sonographic diagnosis has become extremely important in light of AFP screening in pregnancy. It is estimated that in every 1,000 pregnancies, 25 to 50 abnormal AFP results are obtained. The quantity of AFP that is considered normal depends upon many variables, including age, weight, race, and week of pregnancy, therefore accurate dating is important. A focused examination of the neural axis in each fetus should include an assessment of overall cranial size and contour, ventricular size (transaxial diameter of ventricular atrium > 10 mm is abnormal), and posterior fossa, including cerebellar morphology and cisterna magna.36–39 At the University of California–San Francisco, we also include images of the cavum septum pellucidum as a check for forebrain malformations. An elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level in maternal serum and amniotic fluid is a reliable indicator of a fetal abnormality. The most commonly encountered individual defects are discussed in the following section. Your baby may make more AFP than normal, or … The fetus has a neural tube defect. An AFP level between 10 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL is normal for adults. Sources of Maternal Serum–Alpha-Fetoprotein During pregnancy, AFP tests may be done to find or watch defects in the developing fetus. Recall that most of the unsuspected autosomal trisomies detected with AFP screening will occur in the low MS-AFP group, and that autosomal trisomies represent the minority of abnormal karyotypes found in women with high MS-AFP. The blood test from my second trimester for prenatal screening resulted in a 4.3 AFP level compared to the normal threshold of 2.5. normal afp levels in pregnancy A 40-year-old female asked: i spoke with a researcher at ucla in 1989 who had followed 60, 000 pregnancies, elevated afp levels, and outcomes. AFP goes through the placenta into the mother's blood. 17 Pregnant Women with High Maternal Serum–Alpha-Fetoprotein Some of the tests are done on a regular basis and recommended for all pregnant women, while others may be suggested based on individual factors such as the age of mother, medical history of parents or risk of genetic abnormalities. However, the most common reason for elevated AFP levels is inaccurate dating of the pregnancy. Thyroid disease is the second most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, and when untreated during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, hypertensive disorders, and growth restriction. A high AFP could also mean the mother is carrying twins, according to Kaiser Permanente. Several other important fetal anomalies are associated with elevated AFP, and these potential defects should also be sought on the targeted sonogram (Table 17–1). California implemented a statewide screening program in 1986. Since then, screening in the United States has become more widespread, and experience in this country and others has demonstrated considerable benefits from AFP screening, not only for the detection of NTDs, but also for several other fetal abnormalities (i.e., twins, ventral abdominal wall defects, and chromosomal abnormalities). Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels have been associated with an increased incidence of both placental sonolucencies and pregnancy complications. Of those women whose tests show high or low levels of AFP, only two or three in 100 will have a child with a birth defect. One should be cautious, however, not to confuse an engaged fetal head (in which the convexity may not be well visualized) for anencephaly. Alpha-fetoprotein is a major protein produced by the fetal yolk sac, a part … Signs and symptoms of a molar pregnancy can include high blood pressure, intense nausea or vomiting, anemia, hyperthyroidism, fast uterine growth, preeclampsia, ovarian cysts, the passage of the tumor through the vagina, and vaginal spotting … The targeted sonogram is performed to determine (1) whether any fetal anomaly is present (AFAFP may be false-positive); (2) if the fetus is abnormal, what the nature of the anomaly is (e.g., NTD versus omphalocele); and (3) if present, the severity of the anomaly and presence/absence of associated malformations (e.g., spinal level of myelomeningocele). Increased Maternal Serum-Alpha-Fetoprotein: What Should You Look For? Also Read: Triple Marker Test During Pregnancy, Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test During Pregnancy. 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