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Alpba-Feto Protein Screen

Dear Anai,

I'm in my 17th week and was told I needed to come back for a AFP screen. Can you give me some information on it? What is it and what it's for?

Thanks,

QV in IL

Answer:

Alpba-Feto Protein Screen, known as AFP, is a simple blood test performed to detect any birth defects that are present or will become apparent in the future. It is used between the 16th to 18th week typically, and test result should get back to you within a week at most.

This a fairly simple test, that poses no direct harm to the fetus. Your baby's liver has a substance called Alpba-Feto Protein. This substance is released into the mother's bloodstream throughout the pregnancy.

If you were tested with higher than normal levels of AFP in your bloodstream, your baby might have a NTD (neural tube defect). Levels of AFP that are lower than normal typically give an indication that the baby has Down's Syndrome, which is a known chromosomal defect. Since AFP is released at higher levels, it becomes apparent that there is a greater release through the baby's spinal columns, thus presenting what most now know as Spina Bifida.

Spina Bifida is a condition that does not enclose the spinal cord properly under the layers of skin. This condition results in severe retardation (known as anencephaly), numbness or complete paralysis from their waist downwards. Spina Bifida may be prevented by doing one simple thing -- waiting three months before attempting to conceive. During this time, drink plenty of orange juice and take folic acid on a daily basis.

©2000 Anai Rhoads.