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Antenatal tests

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Original poster

Low Papp-a and low HCG high risk for Down's syndrome

9 replies

Ljd401 · 08/02/2015 18:31

We found out on Thursday that our baby has a high risk for Down's syndrome. The risk is 1:23. I am 31 & this is my first pregnancy. Our Papp-a was 0.36 and HCG was 2.6. The Nuchal fold is 2.4mm. A nasal bone has been seen. We have opted for the Panorama Testing and had this done Friday so we should have the results in ten days. We are extremely anxious and upset. Could low Papp-a be caused by anything else? Also I've been very sick throughout the pregnancy so am wondering if that is why my HcG level is high. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you xx

OP posts:

Mslad · 08/02/2015 19:49

Hi Ljd401, I don't really have advice, but I was in a similar position to you last November, my scan was fine, Nuchul fold was within the limits & nasel bone was present. I took the harmony test & got good results from that. I'm now just 26 weeks, and everything seems to be progressing well. I will have 3 extra scans at week 28, 32 & 36 as low Papp-a can be linked to low growth rate, or premature birth. Waiting for the test results like you are now is just awful, it was the longest, most stressful 2 weeks of my life, plus it means I still haven't really relaxed into the pregnancy. However I did read a lot about it when waiting & it seems that so many people have good results after being told they're high risk. From my reading, if the scan looks good then it seems to be a very good sign. Also, it probably doesn't feel it right now, but your odds are really in your favour. I tried my best to distract me while waiting, but it's very tough. Fingers crossed you get good results & the wait isn't too tough for you.

Tollygunge · 08/02/2015 19:51

Low pappa can be caused by bleeding in early pregnancy.

KittyandTeal · 10/02/2015 19:53

I've just been through similar. Low papp a but high hcg (about double the hcg compared to papp a) suggests T21 so Down's syndrome. Low papp a and hcg suggest T13 or T18.

I had a low papp a level, they said it could be caused by placental issues. As it was I also had a fairly low hcg level and it turned out our dd had T18.

It sounds like you could be looking at Down's syndrome or a possible placental issue.

Saying that my levels were stupidly low at 0.08 mom for papp a and 0.12 for hcg.

BellMcEnd · 10/02/2015 20:04

Hi lj In my last pregnacy I had a "pathologically" low PAPP-A at 0.36, I can't for the life of me remember my HCG and Nuchal fold readings though. I was offered an amino to give a definitive result for Down's Syndrome and other chromosomal issues. My risk was given as 1/80. We decided against the amino, instead I was scanned every four weeks by an excellent foetal medicine consultant at our local hospital. I also had several dopplers to assess blood flow through the umbilical cord as a low PAPP-A can be associated with a poorly functioning placenta. Everything was pretty uneventful except for him being in a massively awkward position and killing my back. He was born 3 days over dates and weighed 7lb 9oz. The placenta didn't look great and he initially lost quite a bit of weight and took a while to pick up. He was very scrawny but once he began to put on weight he was fine. He's now a massively grumpy, opinionated 2 year old .

It is scary. I was terrified at times. Do you feel happy with the care you're getting? Feel free to PM me anytime

Whoishillgirl · 10/02/2015 20:20

I had similar results, and a normal nuchal fold. A one in 137 risk of downs. Our baby did have downs. You just can't know how it will work out for you until you get your test results. I would use the time to do your research so you are clearer whether or not you want to continue with the pregnancy if the baby does have downs. There is also a charity called ARC who provide ante natal testing support and support with whatever choice woman make thereafter. I personally did a lot of research into what a termination would be like too. I am sorry that this is probably not what you want to hear but it helped me to be informed in advance of getting the results.

BellMcEnd · 10/02/2015 21:34

Yes, I would agree that ARC is excellent

DRSLondon · 10/02/2015 21:38

I'm sorry you are going through such a worrying time. I didn't have the same situation but we got terrible news at 20 weeks when we found out that our baby had spina bifida. I think whoishillgirl is right to direct you to ARC but equally don't feel you must make a decision based on unconfirmed news. Wait and see. You have a 1 in 23 chance of bad news but thats still a 22 in 23 chance of things being ok. Try not to expect the worse. Tell the negative voices in your head to shut up. I hope time passes quickly and you get good news.
All the best

Www.wakeupsurvivesleep.com

Original poster

Ljd401 · 15/02/2015 20:35

Thank you everyone. I realised I meant to put low Papp-a and high HCG. I don't really hold out any hope for my results. We will possibly get them tomorrow or it could be Tuesday or Wednesday. From my research it seems most people have better results when their blood is ok. My blood results are dreadful so I don't have any hope. Really struggling with this and can't cope. All I do is cry and I think about it all the time. I was so happy and now I feel so sad xx

OP posts:

Mslad · 19/02/2015 18:44

How are you Ljd401 Did you get your results back?

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