What does MSAFP measure during pregnancy?

MSAFP stands for Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein, which is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the mother's serum during pregnancy. AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver, and its levels can indicate certain conditions. When the fetal neural tube or abdominal wall is not completely closed, AFP can leak into the mother’s bloodstream, leading to elevated levels of MSAFP. Consequently, measuring MSAFP is crucial for assessing the health of the fetus, particularly in screening for potential neural tube defects and other congenital abnormalities.

In contrast, maternal weight is not related to fetal protein levels, fetal heart rate is a measure of the baby's heartbeat, and amniotic fluid level assesses the volume of amniotic fluid, none of which directly pertain to the specific measurement of fetal proteins in the maternal serum. Thus, MSAFP specifically targets the assessment of this major fetal protein produced during development.