High HCG blood test, high risk 1:18

[mar1987]

Hi everyone

I'm in such a sad place and I just can't switch off so thought I'd be brave and turn to you lovely ladies

I am 15 weeks pregnant, had my first scan and everything came back well so I was on cloud 9. Until I got the dreaded phone call yesterday to say my bloods have come back and I am high risk and 1:18 chance of DS
I have booked in for my amino test next week but like many, the wait is just tearing me up
I'm trying to keep positive but not too positive
I'm so upset and I keep asking myself if it isn't DS, then it surely is something else as it wouldn't have been flagged?
She said my results for Patau and edwards were clear but I thought it was combined so now I'm confused but the conversation was a bit of a blur where I was so upset and in shock

Sorry for the long post xx

[Mummy2O]

Hi. I am so sorry you are going through this. I have been there and in it a horrible situation.

With the combined test you get a separate result for DS to Edwards' and Patau's so one can come out as low risk but not the other. That is OK.

The combined test is a best guess of your risk for the tree syndromes, rather than it being a definite signal that something is wrong. Is the NT measurement in your notes? Anything below 3.5mm is in the normal range, which could indicate your blood work has put you at higher risk (Papp-A or HGC readings). Higher than 3.5mm doesn't always indicate DS though. Your age may also factor in to your increased risk, particularly if you are over 35.

At least the amino will give you a definite result one way or the other. The procedure is relatively quick and although uncomfortable, it isn't too painful. Just make sure you take it easy for a couple of days afterwards. You should get the first results within a couple of days.

The wait will be tough, but we are here if you need to talk. Try to find ways to distract yourself if you can. It is OK to feel scared and anxious, and very up and down during this time. Just let yourself feel it and work through it as best you can.

I'll be thinking of you.

[mar1987]

Thank you for your reply

My NT measurement is 2.20mm so it has just come from my blood results.
I am 33 years old and I just can't switch off!

I know the odds can still work in my favour but I just can't help but think there must be something wrong even if not DS
I just neee the couple of weeks over with!

Hoping other have had similar experiences they can share xx

[ladyp87]

Hi Mar87, I had my amnio last week but I was given a 1 in 7 chance of Down syndrome and high risk for edwards and pataus. My initial results have come back clear. Even at 1 in 7 I still had a 86% chance of baby not having anything but it never feels that as good odds does it. I'm on the wait for the full array now so trying to keep myself busy to take my mind off it. The Amnio wasn't an unpleasant experience and didn't take long at all about ten mins. Hope you get the results you hope for. Sending hugs

[mar1987]

Thank you so much for your reply
I'm sorry to hear you're also going through the worry too! How long did you have to completely rest for afterwards?

I'm happy to her you had positive sounding results and fingers crossed the final lot are too. How long do you have to wait for those?
The waiting game really is such a killer!

Sending hugs

[ladyp87]

I rested for a couple of days just to be on the safe side but I wasn't at all sore. The initial results usually take three days but because I had mine last week the long weekend made it nearly a week before I got those. It's three weeks in total for the full array. I didn't realise how many people go through this until I was told I had to have it and started looking for posts. Thankfully most seem to be positive.
Take care

[JaiPow]

@mar1987

I’m 34 1:4 chance for DS, like you based on my bloods. High BHCG and low PAPP A. Got my amnio back yesterday, all clear.

How did the amnio go?

[mar1987]

Hi @JaiPow

I'm feeling very anxious as they have already warned me there was a chance of maternal contamination as the fluid samples were blood stained 😫
I assume if that's the case I will be called back to do it again, I get my results on Tuesday 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[JaiPow]

@mar1987 Oh no! The waiting is so horrible. The highs and lows and all the places we go with our thoughts.

Hopefully you’ll hear Tuesday. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[PurpleFlower1983]

Thinking of you and hope the results are positive today.

[Mummy2O]

@mar1987 I'll be thinking of you today.

[mar1987]

Thank you @Mummy2O @PurpleFlower1983

They called to say due to my sample having maternal contamination I had to go into hospital this morning for a blood test. This will be couried to the hospital and il get my confirmed results within 5 days 🙏🏼 so frustrating having another wait but she said everything seems ok....just obviously can't give a 100% answer until my bloods are tested . I'm holding onto the positive! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

Thank you all for your messages xx

[JaiPow]

@mar1987
Did we get results back? Thinking of you!

[mar1987]

Hi @JaiPow

Thank you for checking in!

Thankfully my results came back clear

I have my 20 week scan next week so I still haven't been able to relax so I'm hoping everything is ok at the scan and I can start enjoying the pregnancy!

Hope you are well x

[JaiPow]

@mar1987 how did the 20 week scan go?