Diagnosis of AFP and hCG during pregnancy

To date, the blood of a pregnant woman is the most informative material, capable of giving clear information not only about the state of her health, but also about how the fetus is formed and develops. Moreover, blood tests can reveal the presence of infections and diseases in the body of a woman, which plays an important role, as it helps to prevent the appearance of disorders in the development of fetal organs and systems.

At the sixteenth week of pregnancy it is recommended to undergo a so-called triple test. To do this, it is necessary to donate blood for the determination of AFP and hCG during pregnancy , which can identify the risk of developing heart disease in a future child, and also exclude the presence of Down's syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities and other malformations. The triple test is done on an empty stomach, it includes the study of the level of ACE, that is, the study of the serum of the developing fetus, and HCG, that is, the placenta protein.

Let's consider in detail what is AFP and hCG during pregnancy and how their indices influence the development of the future baby.

Alpha-fetoprotein (ACE) is a protein that is produced by the fetal liver. The study of this protein helps to identify defects in the formation of the neural tube, urogenital system and digestive organs of the embryo, as well as when its development slows down. With the help of a blood test, the presence of chromosomal defects, diseases of Down, Turner or Edwards, abnormalities in the development of internal organs, as well as placenta diseases is also determined. However, the change in ACE indices can be the result of placental insufficiency or the threat of miscarriage, and also indicate an incorrectly delivered term of pregnancy or the presence of multiple pregnancy. In some cases, low ACE indices indicate fetal death or false pregnancy. In any case, it is necessary to repeat the study, as well as jointly undergo ultrasound, the study of the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.

It should be noted that hCG in pregnant women is a hormone that is produced by the placenta of a woman, therefore, depending on the period of pregnancy, its level may vary. The fluctuations in the level of HCG can be used to judge pregnancy of multiple birth, the threat of miscarriage and placental insufficiency, and can also indicate the establishment of an incorrect pregnancy, the presence of diabetes in a woman, toxicosis and pathologies in embryo development.

There is a special table of hCG during pregnancy, which helps to correctly determine the normal level of the hormone at every stage of pregnancy. However, the norms of HCG may differ somewhat, it depends both on the laboratory that conducted the study, and on the age and weight of the woman, her nationality, the characteristics of the organism, the presence of bad habits. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist, because with the help of a blood test it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis, an additional examination is necessary.

Thus, AFP and hCG during pregnancy, which are included in the triple test, allow to identify women who are at risk for developing fetal anomalies. Here you need to monitor the level of hormones in the dynamics.

It should be remembered that for today there are a lot of shortcomings in laboratory research. About 80% fall on false results, and they are observed when the pregnancy is incorrectly delivered, the weight and age of the woman, and if she has various diseases of the endocrine system. When assessing AFP and hCG during pregnancy , the doctor takes into account all these nuances, and if necessary, offers to undergo a second test.

Currently, the triple test is widely used to determine the risk group, which includes pregnant women who have test scores far from the norm. But do not be immediately upset, because to establish the correct diagnosis requires additional examination.