Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein

Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP) - A blood test done to indicate an increased risk for defects of the spine
Meconium - The baby's first bowel movements, which are black or green ...

Lack of association between unexplained elevated maternal serum alpha fetoprotein and/or human chorionic gonadotropin and the occurrence of placental thrombotic lesions.
Placenta, 31(4): 277-81. [Abstract] [Full-text] ...

Genetic testing can be as simple, and harmless to the baby, as the Maternal Serum Alpha fetoprotein test (also known as the triple screen). This is a screening test for neural tube defects and Down syndrome.

Abnormal maternal screening tests, such as maternal serum alpha fetoprotein level (MSAFP)
Risk of a sex-linked genetic disease
Amniocentesis may be used in the third trimester of pregnancy to assess for conditions such as: ...

Also, the option of maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening between the 15th and 18th week of pregnancy should be offered. MSAFP is a blood test which screens for neural tube defects such as open spina bifida and anencephaly.

See also: Fetus, Cervix, Pregnancy, Chorionic Villus Sampling, Placenta