PAPP A low results -

[karenannmay]

I am 15 weeks pregnant and have just got my combined test results through. It says I am 1 in 7100 at risk of a downs baby and so a low risk. However, my PAPP a results are very low at 0.24 and I will need extra scans at 28 and 34 weeks. I spoke to my midwife today and she wasn't overally worried. She said it was a possible risk of a very small baby. When I googled it, it comes up with lots of horror stories and i'm not too sure what to believe. Has anyone got any sensible advice?? The thing which bothers me most is the very low reading. 0.24 seems extremely low!? Any advice welcome.

hi karen - I had a low reading - 0.3 something and similarly terrified myself with lots of googled horror stories. I worried sick before seeing the consultant who was very laid back about it and immensely reassuring, said he sees lots of women with low PAPP A but not seen one of the horror stories realised - it really is still a very low risk of something going wrong (although it does mean you are unlikely to have a 12lb baby!). They keep a closer eye on you throughout pregnancy for proper growth and, for me, it means that they will probably induce me at term (this week!) rather than letting me go the usual 2 weeks over before offering induction, just to be on the safe side. My growth scans were all fine, baby on 50th percentile, and it is quite nice having those extra scans just to check all is ok. My advice would be to step away from google and enjoy your pregnancy - hope you get the second trimester bounce!

Thank you very much. Sometimes it is all too much to take in! Good luck with your induction this week!

I had 0.2 with my last pregnancy. He was born weighing "only" 10 days ahead instead of 3 weeks ahead like with my other two babies!

I actually spoke to Prof. Nicolaides at the Fetal Medicine Centre (bit of an expert in these matters - look him up!) about it after my 19 week scan, and he said the risk with my levels is about 1 in 20 of IUGR/Pre-E. And because I make such big babies, at worst I'd just have a normal size one.

Having said that, a friend was 0.23 and did have IUGR - but they were monitoring her because of the PAPP-A so all turned out fine (delivery at 35 weeks - he's a strapping 1 year old now!)

All very re-assuring. Thank you very much.