Home / Glossary Inhibin-A By Motherly Editors April 2, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Inhibin-AFAQs about Inhibin-A and MotherhoodWhat is Inhibin-A?What role does Inhibin-A play in pregnancy?What is a normal range for Inhibin-A in pregnancy?What happens if Inhibin-A levels are high during pregnancy?How is my Inhibin-A level checked?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Inhibin-AFAQs about Inhibin-A and MotherhoodWhat is Inhibin-A?What role does Inhibin-A play in pregnancy?What is a normal range for Inhibin-A in pregnancy?What happens if Inhibin-A levels are high during pregnancy?How is my Inhibin-A level checked?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition Inhibin-A is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is primarily used in prenatal screening test as it can provide indications of certain fetal abnormalities like Down syndrome. The level of Inhibin-A tends to be higher than normal when the fetus has Down syndrome. Key Takeaways Inhibin-A is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, playing a crucial role in supporting fetal growth and development. Levels of Inhibin-A can be measured during a maternal serum screening test. Abnormal levels may indicate potential complications such as Down syndrome or preeclampsia, making it vital in prenatal health monitoring. However, while elevated levels of Inhibin-A can indicate certain conditions, it is not a definitive diagnostic. Therefore, further testing should always be followed in order to confirm any diagnoses. Importance Inhibin-A is a crucial hormone linked to pregnancy and motherhood, as it plays a significant role in the growth and development of the fetus. It is produced by the placenta and ovaries and primarily involved in regulating the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. During pregnancy, the amount of Inhibin-A in a woman’s bloodstream typically increases. Uncommon levels of this hormone could indicate abnormalities or potential complications with the pregnancy, such as Down syndrome. Therefore, Inhibin-A is often measured during pregnancy screening tests, providing essential information about the wellbeing of both the mother and the baby. Explanation Inhibin-A is a hormone synthesized by the placenta during a woman’s period of gestation. Its primary function relates to the critical role it plays in prenatal screening tests, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy. As a marker, the level of Inhibin-A in the mother’s blood helps in identifying the risk or potential of certain genetic abnormalities or defects in the developing baby. One of the main uses of monitoring Inhibin-A levels is in assessing the potential of Down syndrome. Increased levels of this hormone are often indicative of a higher risk of the fetus having Down syndrome. It is part of the quad screening, a set of blood tests performed typically between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy, alongside measurements of other hormones and proteins. While it’s not a definitive test for any abnormalities, it greatly aids healthcare professionals in identifying if further, more invasive, diagnostic tests might be required. Examples of Inhibin-A Prenatal Screening: In the real world, Inhibin-A is commonly used in prenatal screenings as part of the “quad screen” test. This test is done between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy and measures the levels of four substances, including inhibin-A, in a pregnant woman’s blood. High levels of inhibin-A can signify that the fetus is at a higher risk of having Down Syndrome. Diagnosis of Ovarian Tumors: Inhibin-A can be used in the diagnosis of certain ovarian tumors. Women who are not pregnant should have very low levels of this hormone. If a non-pregnant woman has elevated inhibin-A levels, it could indicate the presence of an ovarian tumor. Monitoring Menopausal Progress: Inhibin-A levels can also be utilized by health professionals to monitor progress in menopausal women. During menopause, the levels of inhibin-A typically decrease significantly. Therefore, monitoring its levels can provide crucial information regarding the menopause status. In a healthcare setting, this can create a better understanding for clinicians about the hormonal changes happening in a woman’s body. FAQs about Inhibin-A and Motherhood What is Inhibin-A? Inhibin-A is one of the two forms of Inhibin, a protein complex that’s produced in the ovaries. It is significantly involved in regulating the menstrual cycle, and its levels can also provide vital information about the health of an unborn baby during pregnancy. What role does Inhibin-A play in pregnancy? Inhibin-A levels are usually elevated during pregnancy. It is part of a group of markers used in second-trimester screenings to assess the risk of certain fetal genetic conditions, such as Down Syndrome. A notably high or low level of Inhibin-A could potentially indicate a problem during the pregnancy. What is a normal range for Inhibin-A in pregnancy? There is a wide range of what could be considered ‘normal’ when it comes to Inhibin-A levels, and it often varies based on the stage of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will take this variation into account when interpreting your results. What happens if Inhibin-A levels are high during pregnancy? High levels of Inhibin-A during pregnancy might increase the risk for certain complications such as preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, or preeclampsia. However, having a high level of Inhibin-A does not necessarily mean there will be complications, it simply means the risk may be increased. Regular monitoring and timely intervention can help manage these risks effectively. How is my Inhibin-A level checked? Your Inhibin-A level can be checked through a blood test. This test is typically part of a larger panel of tests known as a maternal serum screening, which is carried out during certain weeks of pregnancy. The test is used to screen for potential genetic and developmental issues in the fetus. Related Motherhood Terms HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) PAPP-A (Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) Estriol Screening tests for Down’s syndrome Sources for More Information Sure, here are four reliable sources where you can get more information about Inhibin-A: WebMD: An online publisher of news and information pertaining to human health and well-being. Mayo Clinic: A nonprofit American academic medical center focused on integrated clinical practice, education, and research. MedlinePlus: A trusted health information site from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. NCBI: The National Center for Biotechnology Information, a branch of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, provides information on a wide range of biological topics. Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Inhibin-AFAQs about Inhibin-A and MotherhoodWhat is Inhibin-A?What role does Inhibin-A play in pregnancy?What is a normal range for Inhibin-A in pregnancy?What happens if Inhibin-A levels are high during pregnancy?How is my Inhibin-A level checked?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms Intravenous catheter (IV) April 2, 2024 Endometriosis April 2, 2024 Linea alba April 3, 2024 Incision April 2, 2024 External cephalic version (ECV) April 2, 2024