Alpha-fetoprotein in vaginal blood: a promising novel marker for early pregnancy failure that needs further validation

Early pregnancy loss is a common obstetric complication and is often preceded by vaginal bleeding. It is estimated that as many as 12% to 15% of all clinically recognizable pregnancies and up to 22% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage (1). In women of advanced reproductive age, the miscarriage rate may approach 75%. Bleeding in early pregnancy is a common reason for women to seek acute care through the emergency department or in early pregnancy units.
Source: Fertility and Sterility - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Reflections Source Type: research