Nuchal Test and v. Abnormal bloods

[41worrier]

Hi all,

First time posting, I’m 41 and 14 weeks pregnant. Had my Nuchal scan and bloods done a week last Friday and have just had a call from my midwife to say it’s come back high risk. The nuchal measurement was fine at 1.7 but the HCG level was 12!! I’ve googled and googled but can’t find anything anywhere of anyone else having such a ridiculously high level! Help!! I now need to make a decision on what further tests etc to have! I feel totally sick with worry :( xxx

I'm sorry you're finding yourself here.

No advice as it's such a personal choice, but think about what would you would consider doing should you get a diagnosis for a chromosomal abnormality. (Terminating or carrying on regardless).

They will have probably offered you a CVS or an amino. You could also have a non invasive NIPT/Harmony test done which you would likely have to pay privately. They are fairly accurate for T21, not so much for T13 or T18 and also are not classed as diagnostic, meaning if they came back positive and you wanted to terminate you would have to have either a CVS or amino to confirm.

My experience... we had a T21 diagnosis last year. No soft markers on the scan (eg nasal bone, NT was 2.0) but did have an abdominal wall defect which could be linked to a chromosomal abnormality, at this point it could've been a stand alone issue. My HCG was 8.4 or 8.6 and my Papp-A was way too low. We received the results from the combined test and the Harmony test we had done privately prior to the NHS testing on the same day and opted for a CVS which confirmed T21 + Omphalocele.

I believe choosing the right tests is very much a timing thing too.
Wishing you all the best, sorry this has been such a factual comment. X

Thanks for replying, factual comments are exactly what I need right now.
I’ve been offered all of those tests and so far have booked the harmony test for Wednesday, I don’t know if I’ve just delaying the inevitable though and putting off getting a diagnosis for sure. My Papp A was normal so it’s this crazy high HCG that is the biggest cause for concern - whatever is causing it it just doesn’t look good :(