Abnormal levels of AFP may be associated with:
* Neural tube defects
* Abdominal wall defects
* Multiple pregnancies
* Fetal demise
* Certain genetic disorders
* Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)
* Liver disease in the mother
* Gestational trophoblastic disease (a rare condition involving abnormal tissue growth in the uterus)
*Certain types of cancer, including liver, testicular, and ovarian cancers
It's important to note that an abnormal AFP test result doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. Further tests and evaluations are typically recommended to confirm a diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of action.
An AFP test is usually performed as part of a routine prenatal screening panel along with other tests like the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test and estradiol test. The combination of these tests helps assess the overall health of the pregnancy.