High HCG levels at 13 weeks

[LolaStarr]

I found out today my HCG levels from my 12 week combined screening test were 8MoM. My other results were within normal range. Has anyone else experienced higher than average levels, and what was the outcome?

Hi Lola

My hcg was very high too, and the nuchal measurement was 3mm so combined it put me as high risk for baby having Down's syndrome. I'm only 28 so it was quite a shock. We ended up having a cvs done which is diagnostic and thankfully our baby is fine.

Did you get a risk factor on your letter? It may be that the high hcg alone is not enough to put you as high risk.

Xxx

They couldn't give me a risk factor as my results were truncated, the nuchal fold and the other thing they measure in your blood were totally normal. I've declined cvs because I don't want to risk it, I lost a baby at 21 weeks last year and it would kill me if I lost this one too. They're sending me for a detailed scan at 16 weeks to see if that can pick up any explanation for the heightened HCG, I just don't know how I'm going to wait two weeks with this worry!

You could try the harmony blood test, it's private and quite expensive but 99.5% accurate.

Try not to worry too much as chances are that baby is ok xxxx

They mentioned the harmony test. I'm not sure if it's worth doing, even if it came back that baby had downs I wouldn't be able to terminate. I'm more worried that something else is causing it, with the other two parameters being totally normal. I've read all sorts online about it being an indicator of problems with the placenta and low birth weights x

Lola, so sorry you have to worry about this stress. Just something to think about- babies with Downs sometimes need additional support after birth for other health factors, so even if you won't terminate (DH and I have talked about this too and decided the same) it could be really beneficial to have the specialists and a health plan already in place if baby does have Downs. Just something to think about...