1. What is Inhibin-A and AFP? These are both hormones made by the placenta throughout pregnancy. We measure the quantity as part of the quadruple screen when we calculate the chance of the baby having Down Syndrome.
2. What are high levels of Inhibin A and AFP? A high level is defined as more than 2MoM (multiples of the median) which means that a high level would be more than twice the average result for the population. Research has found that a higher level of Inhibin A or AFP may be associated with a smaller baby who may not be reaching their full growth potential although most women will have a baby of expected size.
3. What does this mean for you and your pregnancy? We would like you to come for a review in a Consultant’s clinic so we can answer questions that you might have.
We will start you on a low dose of aspirin (150mg daily) before you are 16 week pregnant and to take for the duration of the pregnancy. This will help improve the blood flow in the placenta and is safe to take in pregnancy.
We will organise for you to have some additional monitoring when you attend for your fetal anomaly scan at around 20 weeks pregnant. This is called a Uterine Artery Doppler and is used to assess the development and function of the placenta.
From this, we will also organise growth scans in the third trimester of pregnancy to assess your baby’s growth. If your baby measures smaller, we will monitor your pregnancy more closely and might consider an earlier delivery
4. What can I do to help? If you are a smoker, the best you can do is stop smoking. You can ask to be referred for help to stop smoking.
Make sure you also attend all the routine appointments with your Community Midwife or at the hospital so that we can monitor your blood pressure, check your urine and measure your abdomen.
We realise that receiving news that you have higher levels of Inhibin-A or AFP may cause anxiety but please be reassured that the majority of babies will have a normal size and the majority of pregnancies will progress without problem.
In order to discuss this finding, an appointment will be sent to you for a review in a Consultant’s clinic before you are 16 week pregnant.
Meanwhile, if you have any query, please contact Odile Poole, Antenatal and Newborn Screening Co-ordinator for Harrogate Hospital on 01423-555429.