Low PAPP-A?

[octoberbundle]

Has anyone had experience of low pregnancy associated plasma protein A? I've just had my bloods back and this has been flagged. It states I'll be having additional scans and I have an appointment with the midwife next week but in the meantime should I be doing anything?

Instinct is to panic although Logic says id be seeing someone quickly if it was anything to worry about!!

Anyone been through this?
X

I had low PAPP-A at 13 weeks - the doctor pointed it out but nothing was done as a result and he didn't seem concerned. I get a monthly scan anyway due to being old (!) so maybe they felt that was enough, or simply the protocols for dealing with it are different here (not the UK).

I had this in my first pregnancy (as well as 1:5 risk of T13, T18, T21, due to really high HCG). I had an amino to investigate and that luckily came back clear.

Throughout the pregnancy I had 4 weekly growth scans, which then became 2 weekly as there was slow growth, these then became weekly scans, checking cord flow and liquor, with growth scan 2 weekly as well.

The consultant had already said that he would be wanting to induce me before 40weeks due to restricted growth, however I ended up being induced at 37 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. Low PAAP A increases your risk of pre-eclampsia, although no one ever told me this until afterwards!

My baby was born healthy but small (4lb6) and after a few days on transitional care was deemed well enough for discharge. However, I wasn't so we didn't leave until a week after the birth - the doctors weren't sure what caused my health issues though, as they weren't the ones that are normally associated with pre-eclampsia.

Baby was back in and out of hospital with failure to thrive and some other health issues, but these weren't linked to the low PAAP A so I won't bore you with the details. Baby is now a 'normal' healthy 2 year old and I'm pregnant with my second - hormone levels and growth are all normal at this stage, but I'm having extra scans to keep a close eye on everything.

Good luck with your pregnancy and try not to worry.

Sorry my phone auto corrected to PAAP A instead of PAPP A!

Thanks both this is helpful. Feel a lot less panicked than I was before....will see what midwife says xx

I am 30 weeks, low paap a, having growth scans every 4 weeks. Also get my blood pressure checked every 4 weeks as a check for pre eclamsia. So far no signs to worry about.

My baby has been measuring small, but had a bit of a growth spurt at the last scan. They will continue to monitor growth, and as a pp said may induce early if growth drops off.

Nobody seems to be worried, I'm glad they're keeping an eye on it, and it is nice to have extra scans. Although growth scans are a bit different to the 12 and 20 week scans- they're all business, no cooing over baby!

Yep another low Papp A here. I am 37 weeks and have had 4 growth scans. Everything is fine, baby is bigger than average and all cord flow is fine. Try not to worry as I freaked myself out and wish I hadn't. See it as a good thing...you get more monitoring and chances to see your little one!