title: Alpha-fetoprotein concentration in maternal serum and abortion via VA and PGF2alpha.
abstract: Most women undergoing abortion by vacuum aspiration (VA), extraamniotic prostaglandin instillation or vaginal prostaglandin suppositories showed a significant rise in their serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations during the procedure. We suggest this rise is due to a fetomaternal hemorrhage during the abortion procedure. Few women undergoing VA before 9 weeks' gestation showed this rise in serum AFP. To avoid fetomaternal hemorrhage during pregnancy termination, we recommend abortion by VA in early pregnancy.
mesh_terms: D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005113:Extraction, Obstetrical; D005260:Female; D005331:Fetomaternal Transfusion; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014620:Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins