Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein: association with placental sonolucencies, fetomaternal hemorrhage, vaginal bleeding, and pregnancy outcome in the absence of fetal anomalies.

Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels have been associated with an increased incidence of both placental sonolucencies and pregnancy complications. We designed a prospective study to test the hypothesis that the presence of these sonolucencies or a positive maternal Kleihauer-Betke stain would be associated with an elevated risk of obstetric complications. We enrolled 95 women w…