What does alpha-fetoprotein screening in pregnancy help to identify?

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening during pregnancy primarily assists in identifying certain neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver, and elevated levels in the maternal blood can indicate potential abnormalities in fetal development, particularly those associated with the neural tube, which forms the spine and brain.

When the neural tube does not close completely, as seen in conditions like spina bifida, AFP can leak into the mother’s bloodstream, leading to increased levels of this protein. Anencephaly, a severe brain defect where parts of the brain and skull are missing, can also result in elevated AFP. Thus, the screening is specifically correlated with these conditions, making it a crucial tool in prenatal care for assessing fetal health.

While the screening does have implications for other conditions, such as chromosomal abnormalities, the elevated AFP levels are most notably linked to neural tube defects. Heart defects and diabetes in pregnancy are not typically identified through AFP screening, which further solidifies the link between elevated AFP levels and the risks of spina bifida and anencephaly.