Why increased maternal AFP in open neural tube defects?

[Ven0m]

I know that AFP "leaks out" of the spinal canal into the amniotic fluid, increasing amniotic fluid AFP.

But why does mom's serum have increased AFP? How does the AFP in the amniotic fluid get to mom's blood?

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[TheBoneDoctah]

I know that AFP "leaks out" of the spinal canal into the amniotic fluid, increasing amniotic fluid AFP.

But why does mom's serum have increased AFP? How does the AFP in the amniotic fluid get to mom's blood?

Some goes through the placenta.