Clinical Preventive Services -
Screening - Congenital Disorders -

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations:

The offering of screening for neural tube defects by maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) measurement is recommended for all pregnant women who are seen for prenatal care in locations that have adequate counseling and follow-up services available (see Clinical Intervetion). Screening with MSAFP may be offered as part of multiple-marker screening (see Screening for Down Syndrome). There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the offering of screening for neural tube defects by mid-trimester ultrasound examination to all pregnant women, but recommendations against such screening may be made on other grounds (also see Screening Ultrasonography in Pregnancy). Daily multivitamins with folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects are recommended for all women who are planning or capable of pregnancy (see Clinical Intervention).

• To refer to the Clinical Interventions or view the complete entry for this topic, see the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Second Edition (1996).