Maternal plasma α‐fetoprotein and low birthweight: a prospective study throughout pregnancy

Abstract

Maternal plasma .alpha.-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured serially between 15 wk gestation and term in 520 patients. Of these women, 37 were delivered of normal singleton infants with birth weights < 2.5 kg. Median plasma AFP values in this group of women were highest between 15 and 20 wk gestation and then declined steadily towards term. Use of maternal plasma or serum AFP in the early detection of low birth weight babies is optimal in the period most suitable for screening for fetal neural tube defects.