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Alpha Fetoprotein Testing

During your pregnancy as your baby grows inside your womb it produces alpha-fetoprotein, which is found in increasing amounts in your amniotic fluid. It is possible to measure the amount of alpha-fetoprotein by measuring the levels in your blood.

The level of alpha-fetoprotein is meaningful during your pregnancy and this test is usually carried out between the 16th and 18th weeks of your pregnancy. It is important that the timing of these tests must be correlated with the age of your fetus and your weight.

An elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein can indicate problems with your fetus, such as spina bifda, which is a spinal-cord problem, or anencephaly, which is a central nervous system problem. Some researchers have also found an association between a low level of alpha-fetoprotein and Down Syndrome.

Should an abnormal level of alpha-fetoprotein be detected, an ultrasound will then be carried out to look for spina bifda, anencephaly and Down Syndrome.

Although the alpha-fetoprotein testing is not carried out on all pregnant women, in some states it is required. If the test is not offered to you, you may ask to have the test carried out as it is beneficial to you and your baby and there is relatively no risk in having this pregnancy test carried out.

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