Fetal wastage as a result of an alpha-fetoprotein screening programme

Amniocentesis was performed in 102 pregnancies in which maternal serum-alpha-fetoprotein (A.F.P.) concentrations were raised. 18 pregnancies were terminated. There were 15 neural-tube defects, 2 gastrointestinal abnormalities (1 of which could have been corrected by surgery), and 1 case of hydrocephaly. There was an association between raised maternal serum-A.F.P. and complications of late pregnancy including premature labour, perinatal death, and severe pre-eclampsia. After amniocentesis there was spontaneous abortion of 3 normal fetuses and 1 abnormal fetus.