Assessment of Correlation between Change in Level of Maternal serum Alfa Fetoprotein and Fetomaternal Hemorrhage after Elective Cesarean Section

Abstract

F etomaternal hemorrhage is considered to be a grave complication which may occur during pregnancy (Sebring et al., 1990). Fetal and maternal circulations normally are supposed not to be in direct contact (Bernstein et al., 1992). In normal pregnancy this abnormal contact between the fetal and maternal circulations may occur so late during delivery. Up to 1 ml of blood may pass. But in an abnormal pregnancy, fetomaternal haemorrhage is defined as the haemorrhage of 30 ml or more, of whole blood from a fetus into the maternal circulation. As less than 30 ml is considered benign and passes without any remarkable side effects (Sebring et al., 1990). The problem in fetomaternal hemorrhage appears when fetal blood escapes into the maternal circulation in a considerable amount 30 ml or more. That shall compromise the fetal condition leading to many morbidities and mortalities. The result varies from minimal degree of fetal anaemia up to severe degree of fetal anemia. And lethal hydrops fetalis may follow that, leading to fetal cerebral edema, kernicterus, fluid collection in all body spaces, severe pallor and failed circulation (due to the escaping red cells) and eventually ending in death of the fetus (Zizka et al., 2001).