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Maternal serum AFP levels in the first trimester of pregnancy
F Olajide1, M J Kitau, T Chard
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London, U.K.
Maternal serum alphafetoprotein was assayed in 436 women presenting for termination of pregnancy at 6 to 12 weeks. The normal range for each week is presented. There was a progressive rise of AFP levels from week 7 onwards, but a clear separation from non-pregnant values was only apparent after 8 weeks. The definition of a 'low normal' range for the identification of cases at risk of Down's syndrome will probably only be possible at 11 weeks or later.
Maternal serum alphafetoprotein was assayed in 436 women presenting for termination of pregnancy at 6 to 12 weeks. The normal range for each week is presented. There was a progressive rise of AFP levels from week 7 onwards, but a clear separation from non-pregnant values was only apparent after 8 weeks. The definition of a 'low normal' range for the identification of cases at risk of Down's syndrome will probably only be possible at 11 weeks or later.