The association between maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and preterm birth, small for gestational age infants, preeclampsia, and placental complications

Abstract

Low levels of second-trimester maternal serum AFP are associated with a very low risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and placental complications. High levels of serum AFP are strongly associated with preterm birth, preeclampsia, and placental abnormalities. There is a modest association between AFP levels (both low and high) and SGA birth.