High HCG levels at 12 week scan

[newbie2003]

Hi everyone,

Firstly sorry if I've missed a thread that discusses this or if this has been posted in the wrong place. I'm very new to mumsnet and still trying to figure it all out so please be kind

Basically, I'm trying to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation? I'm 31 years old, currently 14+6 weeks pregnant with first baby and at my 12 week scan I opted for the combined screening. I got called back within 5 days to say that my HcG levels were high (8.18 MoM), PAPP was 1.50. So we were called in for another scan of baby.

At the scan the consultant explained that they would check the baby to see if it showed signs of triploidy, but otherwise the high hcg levels could mean that I originally had twin, had an early bleed (which didn't happen) or I just naturally produce high hcg levels. Luckily, the doctor said the baby looked normal for this stage and didn't refer me for karotyping. But he didn't completely rule triploidy out and I'm to go back to him for my 20 week scan.

I know this should be really good news, but I still can't help but panic that something could go wrong... I feel like I'm constantly looking over my scan pics to try and see if everything is okay (obviously I have no idea what I'm looking for!). Non of my mummy friends have ever heard of this so I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance from anyone else who had high hcg levels and delivered a healthy baby (obviously I know that doesn't guarantee things for me).

Thank you xx

I've posted a similar thread this morning, I'm 32, first baby and 13+1. My overall combined screening has come back as low risk (not as low as I'd like mind you) but I'm really not comfortable with my HCG level! Nobody has mentioned it, no phone call and nothing other than the standards result letter but its just not sitting well so I'm going to phone tomorrow.

My free beta HCG is 4.75 MoM so not quite as high as yours but still high - I had an early scan at 7 weeks so I'm doubtful there was ever a twin. I had a very small bleed at around 8/9 weeks but nothing that I would imagine would be significant.

Just so baffled as to what it could be and why it hasn't been flagged up other than in combination with the other things to get my risk factor.

Will be following your thread with interest and know how you feel!

Hi,
I was just wondering how things progressed with you both (hope you don't mind me asking).

I am in a similar situation, just had the 12 week results and low risk but a 4.16MoM score for beta Hcg. Tried speaking to the midwife and they aren't interested and so on.

Thanks xx

What is considered ‘normal’ for hcg? Also what is considered normal for PAPP?

Hi Stassi. 1 is normal. So the MoM number you get given. 1 is the normal average. So in my case my MOM is 4.16 which is 4 x higher

Hi @newbie2003 I know this was a while ago for you but did they get to the bottom of your high hcG and high Papp A I have similar but am expecting twins. I’m interested to know if there is a significance to both being high. Hope you’re keeping well xx

Hi @Lottie575 I am in a similar position but due to my age my risk came back high with age and hcG levels.
I am expecting twins and hcG is 3.76 and Papp-A is 2.45
How are you getting on with all the tests etc? What have your midwives explained the cause of the raised hcG? X

Hiya, congratulations on your twins!!!

Nope i have been at a completely loss with everything, midwife wont give me an answer as to why my HCG is 4x higher than normal.

Went for a nipt test and came back ok though so hoping that everything will be ok.
Have you been given any answers?

@Lottie575 thank you 😊
if your NIPT came back clear that’s really good news! I’ve had two come back redraw due to not meeting quality required. It’s so stressful. I’m going back to hospital Monday to have detailed scan so nervous as hell at the moment.
The high hcG is so odd and I get frustrated when they don’t explain what could cause it or even say it can just be high, to say nothing means I google all day long trying to find answers! xx

It is so so frustrating isnt it.
My brother in law is a obs and gyne consultant so called him the other day and his answer was some women just have it higher.

He did double check i wasnt carrying twins (im def not) but said that twins mean a higher hcg so that might explain part of it for you?

Loads of luck at your hospital appointment!! Xx

@Lottie575 that’s interesting, I kind of from a logical perspective thought hormones in women are not all the same ever so it’s crazy to use an algorithm that suggests everyone should be 1 on these things it should have some form of approximation around it I would of thought?
I am just hoping that I have some positive news, it’s been a rocky road so far.
Have a lovely weekend xx

What happened
were you ok ?
im in same boat as you xx