The online resource for issues concerning pregnant women, parenting, family, moms, and baby. In vitro, a baby's liver secretes a sugar protein called alpha-fetoprotein and this protein is evident in mother's blood stream. Elevated levels of AFP may indicate such defects as spina bifida or anencephaly .
Low levels suggest down syndrome or other chromosomal defects.
The results are usually returned within a week. The AFP test does not determine the existence of disorders, it only predicts their increased likelihood. To log off from the site, click here . All rights reserved. PregnancyWeekly, BabyWeekly, and BabySweeps are trademarks of PregnancyWeekly.