Maternal serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein, human placental lactogen and progesterone hormones in normal pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Alpha-fetoprotein, human placental lactogen and progesterone were determined in the sera of 30 normal pregnant females and 10 healthy non-pregnant controls. Pregnant females were divided into three groups, respectively at different gestational ages of 12, 18 and 36 weeks. Ultrasonography was performed to detect viability and gestational age, as well as to exclude any fetal or placental abnormalities. All pregnant females delivered healthy and normal babies. No case had alpha-fetoprotein maternal value above 2 multiples of the medians [MOM], or below 0.5 MOM. Despite the controversy about the importance of human placental lactogen and progesterone hormones in pregnancy, their assays give-at least-an idea about the competence of the placental compartment