Physiologic jaundice of the newborn. Relation to maternal serum and amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein

Maternal serum and amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein determinations were made at or near term. There appears to be a correlation between elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein and physiologic jaundice of the newborn. It is suggested that this assay might be used as an index of fetal liver maturity when considering elective cesarean section or induction.