Alpha fetal protein
What is anencephaly?
Anencephaly is a congenital abnormality. This abnormality develops very early in pregnancy when the embryo develops. The word 'anencephaly' means 'without a brain'. Although this literal translation is not entirely true, a baby with anencephaly is born usually without any real brain matter, the brainstem is often present. Most babies with anencephaly die during birth, the babies who survive the birth have a life expectancy of a few hours to at most a few days after the birth.
Anencephaly occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births in Europe. Anencephaly is more common in girls than in boys.
This congenital defect belongs to the neural tube defects. A neural tube defect (NTD) is a congenital defect that develops between the 20th and 28th day after conception. The cells of the neural plate (cells that later develop into the central nervous system) unfold to form the neural tube which later becomes the spine and the spinal cord. After several transformations the brain forms out of the upper part of this tube and when something does not go well and the upper part of the neural tube does not close properly, anencephaly occurs. Parts of the skull, the skin, the brain membrane and the brain can then not develop. Babies with anencephaly are often still born with a brainstem. The brain tissue that is present is only covered with a thin membrane. The baby can be blind and has little to no reflexes.
What is AFP?
The fetus secretes a protein in the amniotic fluid, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), through its urine. When the child has a neural tube defect, the open wounds secrete more of this protein to the amniotic fluid. Via the placenta this substance then enters into the mother's blood and can be measured in this way.
Risk factors for a Neural Tube Defect:
- A neural tube defect in one of the parents.
- Neural tube defects in the family. In case of a neural tube defect in a brother, sister or parent of one of the partners there is about 0.5 to 1% chance of this condition for the child.
- Medicines. Certain medications used during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of neural tube failure.
- Diabetes. Women with diabetes have an increased risk of a child with a neural tube defect or other birth defects, especially if there is high blood sugar in the beginning of the pregnancy.
- The risk of a child with a neural tube defect does not increase at the age of 36 years or older.
What causes anencephaly?
The causes of anencephaly are not yet known. It is assumed that this is a combination of environmental factors and genetic influences. Nutrition also plays an important role. It has been known for some time that folic acid has an important effect. Some medicines such as the contraceptive pill can negatively affect the folic acid level in our blood. These then increase the chance of a child with a neural tube defect. The risk also rises in women who suffer from diabetes.
Diagnosis
During pregnancy, the diagnosis can be made in two ways:
By amniocentesis, after which the content of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is determined in the amniotic fluid.
Ultrasonographically, this is possible from the 12th week of pregnancy. In combination with an AFP determination of the mother's blood, this is a reliable method for diagnosis.
Therapy
There is no treatment for anencephaly. The condition can not be cured.
Prevention
Every woman who wants to become pregnant is advised to take 0.5 mg folic acid per day from the moment that she is trying to become pregnant. This reduces the chance of a neural tube defect from about 1 in 700 to 1 in 2,000. Women who have neural tube defects in the family or who have previously had a child with an abnormality are advised to take a higher dose of folic acid (5 mg per day) from four weeks before to eight weeks after conception. This reduces the recurrence risk (estimated at 2 percent) by 50 to 70 percent. Folic acid tablets of this strength can only be obtained by prescription. If tablets with this dosage are used for a long time, your blood is regularly monitored for B12 levels.
Most read information articles
-
1st trimester (Bloodloss)
Many women suffer from some slight bleeding in early pregnancy. Normally, women who have had slight bleeding in the first trimester have no problems during the further pregnancy. A little blood loss can be normal, but it is sometimes a cause for conc......(135549 x) Read more » -
Stomach cramps
Babies get tummy cramps. They come and go many times. It's no fun for parents either; you can see your little one in pain, the crying doesn't seem to stop, and sometimes it seems like there's nothing you can do to help. Bowel cramps oc......(120621 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy symptoms
It is important during pregnancy to know the difference between normal symptoms and those which should be reported to your midwife or doctor. Below is a list of the most common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. Areola around the nipples get ......(85383 x) Read more » -
Mucus plug
During pregnancy, a mucous membrane forms in your uterus. The mucous membrane prevents infections of your uterus. The mucous membrane will remain in place until you give birth. When labour starts, the cervix is stretched and softer. This can c......(65046 x) Read more » -
Empty days (Breastfeeding)
If you are breastfeeding, you will probably wake up early and go to bed late in the early days. Your milk production is not yet set to your baby's demands. Moms often feel uncertain during these "empty" days; baby seems insatiable and y......(63155 x) Read more » -
Feeding
For the first six months, breastfeeding or complete infant formula will usually provide your baby with enough nutrients. The amount of food a baby needs is always different for each child. According to pediatricians, you can use the following guideli......(61416 x) Read more » -
Stillbirth (Loss)
If you lose your child after the 16th week, or your child dies during childbirth, this is officially classed as a "stillbirth". It's a tragic and often traumatic experience for parents. A mix of emotions are involved; anger, guilt, sadn......(57652 x) Read more » -
Development of the foetus
An interactive video of the development of your baby. Slide the sliders to see the growth! The first picture shows the growth from 0 to 8 weeks, the second the growth from 8 to 40 weeks. You may also like this animated gif: ......(57462 x) Read more » -
2nd trimester (Bloodloss)
Occassionaly you may have some blood loss during your second trimester. Common causes include cervical growth or inflammation. Bleeding can pose a threat to both the mother and the unborn child. The most common cause of severe vaginal blood loss duri......(54933 x) Read more » -
Teeth
First teeth Generally, babies get their first teeth between 5 and 9 months. Normally, the first two are bottom incisors, followed by the top two, then the teeth to either side. All eight cutting teeth usually come through when the baby is 8 ......(52278 x) Read more » -
Sleep (Sleep during pregnancy)
During your pregnancy, you may have more difficulty sleeping than usual. A larger abdomen, heartburn, anxiety, back pain and shortness of breath lead to less sleep. You can get frustrated about the lack of good sleep. Yet sleep is very necessary......(51012 x) Read more » -
Checklist baby outfits (Checklists)
When you're pregnant you need to spend a lot of time and money, because the new little addition to your family will need a lot more than you first think! What will you need? Well, print this handy checklist so you don't forget anything! &n......(50430 x) Read more » -
Skin changes
The increase in hormones during pregnancy as well as other factors can result in changes to your skin which can include: "Pregnancy glow" You may get a radiant glow over your face. Your face seems to blush because you have more bl......(49848 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy after 35
Women are increasingly choosing to become pregnany at a later age. This has several reasons; work and career, still busy with study or promotion, no suitable partner, financial worries. The average age at which women have their first child increased ......(45815 x) Read more » -
Reflux in babies
Milk-spitting isn't the same as reflux Many newborns may spit out or dribble a mouthful of milk after they've been fed. They can drink more than they can handle, and some of it comes right back up. This little bit of returned is ......(42308 x) Read more » -
Gender of the baby
Dr. Landrum Shettles was a pioneer in fertility techniques. He was involved very early in experiments in which ova could be fertilized in a laboratory. He has also researched for years to influence the sex of babies. He also wrote a book about it, wh......(41698 x) Read more » -
Coughing and choking
It's well known that babies put "everything" in their mouths. They do this to explore their surroundings. Small objects can be dangerous to children (especially young children), the objects may become clogged in the trachea, res......(41255 x) Read more » -
Fluid retention (edema)
It's normal for your body to retain excess water during pregnancy. This can be on average 2 to 3 liters. In the last month, especially, this is very noticeable; symptoms include swollen hands, feet and face. Even in warm weather, you will retain ......(40362 x) Read more » -
Clustering (Breastfeeding)
Clustering is a common term within the breastfeeding world. In short, it means that a child wants to drink at a certain time of the day, or sometimes even more often, with you. Sometimes a child wants to be at the breast continuously. It is completel......(40344 x) Read more » -
Conceiving 30 tips
If you want to use a lubricant then use PreSeed. When you are dry the sperm have less chance of swimming up, PreSeed provides a comfortable environment for the sperms to swim through. Eat green leafy vegetables with plenty of folic acid, and thi......(40287 x) Read more » -
Breasts
Pregnancy and breast changes: During your pregnancy, your breasts are temporarily a little bigger. The following breast changes are normal: The breasts feel fuller and are more sensitive because pregnancy hormones p......(40005 x) Read more » -
Sex (Safety during pregnancy)
Sex during pregnancy Many people worry that having sex during pregnancy will somehow harm or disturb the baby. Although perhaps the mechanics, especially as you get further on in your pregnancy, may prove challenging, there is no reason couples cann......(38852 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy tests
When can you take a pregnancy test? Urine tests can take place one day before the next period starts. Blood tests can be done at 6 to 8 days after ovulation. Pregnancy tests work by checking your urine for a hormone called human chori......(38079 x) Read more » -
Jaundice
The cause of the yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes is the substance bilirubin. This substance is released by red blood cell degradation. The baby has much more red blood cells than an adult in the womb. The red blood cells also ......(37567 x) Read more » -
Hypotension (Blood pressure)
Your blood pressure depends on age, weight and health. Average blood pressure is 120/80 (120 over 80). The first number is systolic pressure. This indicates how high the arterial pressure is and when the blood is pumped into the arteries every heart ......(37175 x) Read more » -
Pelvic instability
Experiencing pain in your pelvic region is another symptom of pregnancy and quite normal. Research shows that 50 to 60% of women suffer from pelvic pain or low back pain. Early in pregnancy, hormones make the pelvis more flexible. In addition, the......(37054 x) Read more » -
Vaginal infections (Tests before pregnancy)
Normally the vaginal discharge is whitish or slightly transparent in color and feels slimy and sticky. In pregnancy it is normal that the amount and thickness of the secretions vary greatly. Most women have more discharge than normal during pregnancy......(36598 x) Read more » -
Foreskin (Baby care)
The penis primarily consists of what could be called a stem and an acorn. The "acorn" tip is very sensitive and protected by a thin fold of skin. In some boys this covering is complete, while in other boys the covering is only partial. I......(36401 x) Read more » -
During a twin pregnancy (Twins)
Approximately 3 out of every 100 pregnancies is a twin or multiple pregnancy. Normally during your first ultrasound scan it will be determined whether you are having more than one baby although it may take the entire nine months for you to get over t......(34778 x) Read more »