Maternal-Fetal Medicine Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Low alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are actually associated with an increased risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In the context of the choices provided, the correct association is not with abruption but rather with conditions primarily related to chromosomal disorders.

Abruption refers to the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, and while various factors may contribute to its occurrence, low AFP is not specifically tied to this condition. Gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia are all pregnancy-related conditions that have different etiologies and risk factors, typically not directly linked to low AFP levels.

Given the context of the question, the focus on low AFP levels typically directs towards the risk of aneuploidy rather than the complications listed. Clarifying the implications of AFP levels is crucial for understanding these associations in maternal-fetal medicine.