In the study we estimated the level of α-fetoprotein (AFP) in the serum in 47 pregnant women between 26-28 week of pregnancy. The control group (a) included 18 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy, the group B included 39 patients with clinical signs of preterm delivery. In all the patients we established ultrasonographically that pregnancy is single and the fetus is normal. Infection was excluded on the basis on clinical exam and white blood cells count in whole blood. In the group B the serum level of AFP was two times higher compared with the group A (p < 0.05). The preterm labour was noted in 91&percnt; patients in group B. In the group A labour was after 38 weeks of pregnancy (100%). In all cases the newborns were normal. We conclude, that the higher level of AFP in the serum of pregnant women may be a marker of the risk of preterm delivery.

Keywords: Alpha-fetoprotein, Pregnancy, preterm delivery