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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Low PAPP-A levels

17 replies

Fissawissa · 25/04/2014 19:47

Hi, I recently got my nuchal scan & blood results back. I got 1:209 for the combined DS risk and it is deemed low risk. I'm not going to have any further testing.
I called the screening lady today to go over my results and she said it was my low PAPP-A that had made it 1:209
She has organised another scan for me at 28 weeks (I'm only 16 weeks) to check the baby's growth as apparently low PAPP-A can cause slow growth and other serious conditions.
I'm a little bit worried as I have looked at the dreaded Dr Google.
Has anyone else been through this?
Thank you

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grobagsforever · 25/04/2014 20:49

I had low papp a at 12 weeks. Have had growth scans at 24 and 28 weeks, am now 29 weeks. Everything is fine so far next scan at 32 weeks. They have to monitor us as a few women will depend problems but most of us will be just fine! Try not tp worry, even if there is a problem they will catch it and just bring baby out a bit early.

Original poster

Fissawissa · 25/04/2014 21:18

Thanks for the reply do you have any idea what causes low papp-a or is it just a quirk in our blood?

OP posts:

Nonstoppeppapig · 25/04/2014 21:28

Such a coincidence you ask this because I got a letter saying my level was low on Wednesday and have been in a state ever since. I have to take 75mg aspirin daily and will have an extra scan and speak to consultant at 23 weeks. I am currently 14.3 weeks.
I rang midwife at hospital yesterday and she said it is nothing to worry about at this point and there is nothing I can eat or do other than take the aspirin. She also said it is best they know to look for slow growth rather than it taking them by surprise, this way they can be ready to act if needs be.
I am still stressing though!

Original poster

Fissawissa · 25/04/2014 22:10

I had read about taking aspirin nonstoppeppapig - I have a load of questions for my midwife on Monday!
I didn't have this test on my DD so I'm not sure if my blood levels were the same or if they change with each pregnancy?
It will be nice to get the extra scans for reassurance

OP posts:

grobagsforever · 25/04/2014 22:43

I don't think the cause is known, no. My friend has 3 children, her last two had low papp a and were monitored throughout. Both children over 8 pounds!

PJ67 · 26/04/2014 07:00

Hi. My 12 week nuchal came back 1 in 26 and was mainly due to low PAPP-A. I had an amnio and everything was fine. This was 7 years ago with my middle son and no one even mentioned extra scans etc so I wasn't monitored any differently. I did google it at the time and was a bit worried but my son arrived on his due date and was 8 lb. I don't know what causes to, seems a bit of a mystery but I'm sure everything will be fine and extra monitoring will give you reassurance.

JBrd · 26/04/2014 13:42

How low was your Papp-A, fissa? I have very low Papp-A (0.14), which pushed my combined risk to 1:17. I'm having an amnio on Monday, but have already received lots of appointments for additional scans and check-ups - but I'm not sure that they are because of the low Papp-A, my age or my medical history. Probably a combination.
I have heard lots of stories from people who had the same, and all was fine in the end. Don't google!
Papp-A levels can be influenced by lots of things - bleeding, whether you smoke, being overweight, diabetes... But they will do everything to look after you and your baby, so try not to worry too much!

Original poster

Fissawissa · 26/04/2014 15:20

My papp-a level was 0.262 MoM
I don't smoke, not overweight, not diabetic. I'm glad to hear other positive outcomes, I'm sure all will be fine! Google can be a horrible place sometimes!

OP posts:

Nonstoppeppapig · 26/04/2014 16:44

I got none if this categories above, so must be just one of those things for me

Nonstoppeppapig · 26/04/2014 20:35

Just realised that makes no sense... I fit non of the categories

Original poster

Fissawissa · 26/04/2014 20:45

Peppa I'm the same as you - none of the above!
I think it's a quirk in our blood, il be grilling my midwife on Monday!

OP posts:

MakkaPakkasSponge · 26/04/2014 20:53

Hi, I hope you don't mind if I chip in with my story.
I had very low papp-a (0.10 mom) at twelve weeks and they recommended I have growth scans. My baby was measuring a little small throughout and he arrived early at 37 weeks but was perfectly healthy. I drove myself mad googling because no one seemed to have results as low as mine. But it all ended up fine and he's now 18 months old and totally on track developmentally (and he's a cheeky monkey!).
I know it can be worrying but sometimes low papp-a is just one of those things.

Wishing you ladies all the best!

Original poster

Fissawissa · 26/04/2014 22:15

Thanks makkapakka, great to hear your story

OP posts:

Nonstoppeppapig · 27/04/2014 06:17

Thank you makkapakka, did yi gave to have a section or did you go into labour naturally?

Nonstoppeppapig · 27/04/2014 06:18

Grrrrr my typing! *you have

MakkaPakkasSponge · 27/04/2014 06:56

nonstop I went into labour naturally. I was reassured by midwives that at 37 weeks the baby is at term, and I went into hospital and he arrived in 12 hours.

jessplussomeonenew · 27/04/2014 08:12

Weird how treatment varies - I also have low Papp-A (0.16) but nobody seems particularly bothered. I have finally managed to get a consultant appt which will be next week (week 23). Haven't been told to take aspirin so hoping that I don't need to! Reassuring to hear of others who've had low levels and positive outcomes!

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