Recommendations for Screening for NTDs

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that:

• Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening be offered to all pregnant women at 16-18 weeks gestation, provided that it is accompanied by adequate counseling and follow-up and is performed in areas with qualified diagnostic centers,

• Patients with personal or family history of neural tube defects be offered amniocentesis at 15-16 weeks’ gestation with testing of the amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFAFP), and,

• Ultrasounds be offered mid-trimester to all pregnant women.  

Women with diabetes and other risk factors for NTDs: The Greenwood Genetic Center http://www.ggc.org/prenat.html

Women with epilepsy: American Academy of Neurology (AAN) http://www.aan.com/public/pointcare/wepilepsy.htm