Papp-A results, help!

[Danielle95lab]

Can anyone shed any light on a low Papp-A score? The midwife has just called me to tell me mines low and I have to have additional scans after 20 weeks.

But me, being me googled it and it's literally told me about second trimester miscarriage, still birth the lot. Now I'm freaking out. Anyone else got experience with this?

Hi-I also received a low Papp a result at my 12 week bloods. Like you I googled and panicked a lot but I want to reassure you with further research and after speaking to a consultant and midwifes it usually is not a huge problem. Some doctors even question the link between low Papp a and low birth weight -and say there have been no really big studies done on it yet to prove it. Essentially what it will mean for you is that your growth is monitored closely probably 28 weeks and 36 weeks (this will be increased if they think there may be an issue and baby is a bit small- you need more frequent scans). The issue I think is that there has been some evidence to say that a low papp a score can be linked to issues with placenta efficiency (which in turn could mean slower growth of baby) or an increased risk of pre eclampsia in the third trimester -but remember it is ‘some’ evidence and by no means effects all ladies with a low score. Also bear in mind they keep a close eye on you and if they see a problem they will do what they need to do to sort it.

Just to let you know -I went for my 28 week growth scan for low Papp a and instead of being small my baby is actually above the 95th percentile. Now they are worried the baby is too big and I’m being monitored for that!

Try not to worry -I did but in time and speaking to professionals I felt much better. It’s great that know they need to keep an eye on you -so you can be well looked after.

There's a great Facebook group; low papp a pregnancy support group, you can join. You'll find lots of reassurance on there x

@Liveforholidays thanks I'll take a look :) xx
@mouse1234567 wow that was extremely helpful and helped ease my anxiety. Thank you so much!! Xxx

Im currently 33 weeks pregnant and I've had low-PappA in both of my pregnancies. My son was born completely fine and healthy, I was booked in for growth scans but other than that my care was pretty straight forward and normal.

Some people get told to take baby aspirin etc. I've never been asked to take these however. And growth had always been relatively normal according to scans. I was induced at 37 weeks last time as my son was measuring small at my growth scan but was born bigger than anticipated and was a healthy weight for his gestation (6lb 1)

Ofcourse I can only speak from my own experience but I'd say don't worry yourself too much, your growth scans should reassure you. I worried myself sick last time and ofcourse had a meltdown when I was told I have it again. Can't speak for my latest pregnancy but everything seems fine so far. Congratulations by the way