Low PAPP-A

[Sherriyousmelldifferent]

I’ve just received a letter to say at my 12 week blood test there was a lower than average amount of PAPP-A.
I’m currently 30 weeks and have results of screening tests for downs, Edwards and patau’s with low risk results. I’ve also had my 20 week anomaly scan where nothing abnormal came up apart from the baby having a bigger than average abdomen (which I was told was normal, just baby having a big belly).
So I’m really confused about this and it’s really worrying reading about what low levels of Papp-a means - slow growth, increased chance of still birth, premature labour, Down’s syndrome.
Has anyone experienced anything similar? How come they’ve only just told me now and there’s been no mention at any of my mw appts? This is my second pregnancy, already have a 2yo ds.

I have also been told I have low Papp-a but have been given appointments for two extra growth scans at 32 and 36 weeks. I don’t really know much about it, but midwife said don’t worry at all. Sorry this is not much help, I don’t know why trusts vary so much in their procedures.

Thanks. When did you find out you have low levels? I’m confused as to why it hasn’t come up until now. I’ve been invited to a 28 week scan next week (I’m already 30 weeks now). Just so frustrating and worrying as I thought everything was going well, and nothing was flagged at my anomaly scan 10 weeks ago.

A similar thing happened to me. Nothing mentioned after my 12 week scan, then I had a consultant appointment at 26 weeks to discuss ELCS/VBAC options and he mentioned low PAPP-A from the 12 week results. I was booked in for extra growth scans and then googled and worried about it. At the extra scan the sonography asked why I was there, looked at my results and then said I was still in the normal range even though it was a bit low.

All unnecessary worry (and time off work!) in my case. On reflection I’m sure more would have been done at 12 weeks if it had been a real issue! Baby is now a taller than average hilarious 2.5 with early speech advancement.

I can’t recall when the letter came in but it was before 20 week scan. The letter advised me not to Google as I might get more concerned than necessary!