AFP Test

AFP Test or Alpha-fetoprotein test is conducted on pregnant women to check the AFP level in the blood. The liver in the fetus produces AFP naturally. Determining the amount of AFP in the mother's blood will help identify any neural tube defect in the fetus. Neural tube defects arise in 2 out of every 1,000 pregnancies. AFP test also helps check for Down's syndrome. There are 60% chances for detecting Down's syndrome when the AFP levels are low in the blood. AFP can also be calculated from the sample of amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman. This screening test is generally performed between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy and is very sensitive between 15 and 17 weeks. The accuracy of the AFP test result lies in the exact age of the fetus. The AFT test is also referred to as maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP). AFP test is done on men and non-pregnant women too to confirm cancer in the testicles, stomach, pancreas, liver and the ovaries. High levels of AFP can indicate renal cell cancer.

Interpretation of AFP test results: In men and non-pregnant women, the values of the AFP test is 0-6.4 IU/mL (international units per milliliter), 0-20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 0-20 micrograms per liter. In pregnant women of about 15 - 22 weeks gestation, the AFP results usually show 19-75 IU/mL, 7-124 ng/mL or 7-124 microgram per liter. AFP test values vary depending on the weight of the woman and race. Black women have higher values than white women and white women have higher values than Asian women. High AFP can suggest multiple pregnancies, fetus with neural tube defects, and abdominal wall defect in the fetus or fetal death. In non-pregnant adults, high AFP values mean cancer in the testicles or ovaries. High AFP can also indicate liver disease and bowel inflammation.

Spontaneous Abortions

Spontaneous abortion occurs when there is loss of fetus during fetus. Spontaneous abortion or miscarraige happens due to natural events and must not be confused with an elective abortion. Typically, most spontaneous abortions take place during the first trimester. Usually a miscarriage occurs anywhere between 7 - 12 weeks of pregnancy. It can even occur before a woman realises that she is pregnant. Spontaneous abortion can occur due to infection, trauma, immune response by the body or other conditions such as diabetes. The risk of such miscarraige is higher in women who are above 35 years or suffering from systemic conditions such as thyroid or diabetes. Endocrine factors such as Hypothyroidism, hypoprolactinemia or polycystic ovarian syndrome can bring on a spontaneous abortion. Chromosomal abnormalities, sexually transmitted diseases or immunological reactions can trigger a miscarraige.

A woman may experience vaginal bleeding that may contain tissue or clots. There is low back pain or abdominal cramps. Other symptoms of impending miscarraige are fever, headache and high blood pressure. Blood tests to check levels of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) are done. An ultrasound helps in confirming whether there has been a spontaneous abortion or not. It can detect the presence of a live fetus and fetal heart beat. It is essential to consult the healthworker when such symptoms are noticed. Not all bleeding in the first trimester leads to spontaneous abortion.

In cases of threatened abortion, the expectant mother will be advised complete bed rest. In some women, an incompetent cervix can lead to a threatened abortion. In such cases, a suture is placed around the cervix to close the cervical canal. But this has to be closely monitored. Environmental factors such as smoking or contracting rubella can threaten a pregnancy. Women who have had repeated miscarriages need to be tested to identify the cause. This may involve genetic testing of the partners and inspection of the uterus and cervix.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

The effects of alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman on her fetus are alarming. Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)refers to the distressing features observed in babies who have been exposed to alcohol before birth. In fact in some cases, the baby stands a risk of dying before birth. Alcohol crosses the placental barrier into the baby's bloodstream. It can reduce the amount of oxygen available to the growing fetus and lead to nutritional deficiency too. There may be retarded growth of brain cells. When a child suffers lesser symptoms due to maternal alcohol consumption, it is referred to as FAE - Foetal Alcohol Effect.

One of the most common features of a child suffering from Foetal Alcohol syndrome is low birth weight. The infant may have small eyes and flattened face. The head circumference is smaller than average. There might be heart defects. Foetal alcohol syndrome is not always diagnosed at birth. It may be diagnosed when there is a learning or growth problem. Babies suffering from FAS tend to have low IQ and learning difficulties. The child is at increased risk for behaviour and mental health issues. There are cases of cleft palate deformity and joint abnormalities in children born to mothers who consume large quantities of alcohol during their pregnancy. It is advisable for pregnant women to refrain from alcohol during their pregnancy to avoid FAS and FAE among their offsprings. It can lead to a lifetime of impaired mental and physical growth.