The Landscape of Alpha-Fetoprotein, a Biomarker for Fetal Anomalies and Complications During Pregnancy

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein primarily produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac during development. It is a multifaceted biomarker with significant applications in prenatal screening for congenital abnormalities, cancer, and various other disorders. The level of AFP in maternal blood may indicate several obstetric concerns and difficulties during pregnancy. Atypical levels of AFP are commonly utilized as a biomarker to detect fetal anomalies, placental complications, and other pregnancy-related issues. These findings raise concerns regarding the potential effectiveness of maternal serum Alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP) screening as a primary indication of pregnancy problems and underscore the need for more investigation into the functional role of AFP throughout pregnancy. This review seeks to consolidate critical data from many research articles about AFP, focusing specifically on its diagnostic and prognostic applications for congenital abnormalities and problems during pregnancy.