Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Pregnancy / Tips / Did you get the AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein Test) done yet?

Did you get the AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein Test) done yet?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Lot of tests may be recommended by your doctor during the course of your pregnancy. While some of the tests are done on a regular basis and recommended for all pregnant women, some may be suggested based on some individual factors like the age of mother, parents’ medical history, or risk of genetic abnormalities. The Alpha-Fetoprotein Test is useful to identify the presence or absence of a lot of fetal abnormalities.

Contents

What is AFP? AFP test is a blood test that checks the level of Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in the mother. AFP is made by the liver of your baby and the amount of the protein present in your blood shows whether or not your baby is at risk of health issues, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. It is usually conducted in the second trimester of pregnancy as part of the recommended tests.

The need for an AFP Test An AFP test helps the doctor to decide whether further tests or screenings are required during your pregnancy. This test gives almost accurate results when done between 16 and 18 weeks of your pregnancy and looks mainly for birth defects in your unborn child. Reasons for getting an AFP test done are: •To check whether there is any problem in the brain and spinal region of the unborn child •To determine if the unborn baby has Down’s Syndrome

It is mostly done, when: •Your age is 35 or more •There is a history of birth defects in your family •You are diabetic

The amount of alpha-fetoprotein indicates if there are any problems with your unborn baby and if yes, what they may be. AFP levels can be classified as normal, high, and low.

Normal Level of Alpha-Fetoprotein The normal range of AFP values differ from one lab to another. Normal values also depend on the age of the baby.

High level of Alpha-Fetoprotein The doctor will take your individual circumstances and health in consideration before deciding if AFP levels are high. High levels of AFP can be due to one of the following reasons: •You are carrying multiples •Your pregnancy is more advanced and due date has to be re-calculated •The baby has a neural defect •Fetal death may have occurred •The baby might have a defect in the abdominal wall, a condition where the intestines or other organs are located outside the body. This can be rectified by surgery after the baby is born.

Low Level of Alpha-Fetoprotein Low level of Alpha-Fetoprotein could be due to the following reasons: •The gestational age of your baby is not correct. This happens if due date is not calculated the properly and you are earlier than the due date. •The baby has Down syndrome.

Normal AFP results do not always guarantee a healthy baby or normal delivery. Check with your doctor if your AFP results are abnormal.

Explore More Articles on Pregnancy Health

Is your baby dropping low? Know what this means

Should you be consulting your doctor if you experience some vaginal discharge now?

If your baby isn't here yet, are there natural ways you can kickstart a labor?

Congratulations! With 20 weeks, you've come HALFWAY through your pregnancy!

Your breastmilk is getting ready

Common dreams during pregnancy and what they mean

What are the odds you may have a C-Section?

What should you do if your baby's movements have slowed down?

Have you noticed an increasing sex drive yet?

Prenatal visits: Get a Glucose screening test anytime between now to 28 weeks

Risks to look out for: The 3 common infections during this stage of pregnancy

Understanding your baby's movements inside you: When should you be concerned?

Symptoms of Preeclampsia-- What puts you at a higher risk of it?

Why a healthy diet is the biggest priority for you now

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

Recent

Articles

Netherlands Work Visa: All You Need to Know for Indian Applicants

TeamAcko Nov 13, 2024

Delhi Set to Roll Out WhatsApp-based System for Seamless Challan Payments

TeamAcko Nov 8, 2024

Seychelles Visa for Indians: A Guide

TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024

The UK Youth Mobility Visa: A Summary

TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024

Australian Golden Visa Scheme: All that You Wanted to Know

TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024