What does an elevated level of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) indicate?

An elevated level of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) indicates an increased risk for genetic anomalies in the fetus. MSAFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver and is present in the mother’s blood during pregnancy. High levels of MSAFP can suggest several conditions, including neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. As such, when healthcare providers observe elevated MSAFP results, further diagnostic testing—such as ultrasound or amniocentesis—may be recommended to assess the fetus more closely and identify any potential issues.

In contrast, normal fetal development would typically correlate with lower or expected MSAFP levels, while low-risk pregnancy is associated with standard values within the expected range for gestational age. Fluid retention in the mother does not directly correlate with MSAFP levels; it is more associated with other pregnancy-related conditions. Therefore, the indication of elevated MSAFP is specifically tied to an increased risk for genetic anomalies.