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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

46 replies

RosieRabbit17 · 16/04/2021 10:26

We received our 12 week screening results on Wednesday and although they weren't high risk, I was surprised that the numbers were a lot lower than in my last pregnancy.

Downs: 1 in 258
Edwards and Pateaus: 1 in 400 and something

In my last pregnancy, these numbers were something crazy in the thousands.

As it said low risk, I stopped worrying think it was probably because I was older this time and overweight, where as I wasn't last time.

But then last night we got a letter saying that the screening had also shown low PAPP-A and that I should start taking a daily dose of 150mg aspirin and that I'd need growth scans in the 3rd trimester. I don't know what the exact level is as the box is just ticked that said less than 0.4 MOM.

I'm just wondering if anyone has had low PAPP-A before and what the outcome was? Did you become high risk? Did you have a small baby? Did you go into labour early?

My last baby was smallish (6ib 13) but I'm only 5 foot so I just assumed I'd have small babies anyway. I'm worried that this one will be naturally small and they'll end up worrying about growth etc.

Just can't help worrying as it's so different from my last pregnancy!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

crobo87 · 21/04/2021 23:34

I have extra scans booked in at 22 weeks (to check the placenta I think)
Then 28, 32 &36 weeks to check the growth. I'd definitely question what they've said xx

Pancakes7 · 22/04/2021 08:37

I'm upset that everyone else in other areas are having the growth scans and here they aren't doing them. I don't think the pandemic is a good enough excuse. We're thinking we'll have to book some private scans to keep an eye and help my anxiety over this.

I've got a private scan booked for 17 weeks already for gender but I'll ask them to check the placenta. Then 20 week nhs scan anomaly. Going to book a private scan for 25 weeks and 30 weeks I think. Then I'll have the nhs growth scan at 36 weeks.

I'm trying to stop thinking about it but I feel sick with worry and have cried a lot. Am I overreacting?

MimiDaisy11 · 22/04/2021 09:28

@Pancakes7 I do think you could be overreacting as "the majority of babies will have normal growth and the pregnancy will progress without problem" (quoted from NHS leaflet) so it's quite likely it won't affect you.

I think if I just had a scan at 20 and then the next at 36 weeks I'd probably book in for a private one in between too. Though I imagine if you do have a small baby at the 20 weeks scan they'd likely book you in for additional ones.

Hopefully, you'll feel better after you have a scan and see that the baby is progressing well. Best wishes

Pancakes7 · 22/04/2021 09:32

@MimiDaisy11 Thanks I needed to hear that from someone else going through it too. DH has said it but I didn't listen. Ok I'm going to take a deep breath and try and chill out. I'm so glad I found this thread for support though. Hopefully we can all support each other though these pregnancies. I'm 14 weeks +2 due 19th October will most likely have a planned c section (had planned c section with DS as he was extended breech)

What are all your due dates/how many weeks are you?

Original poster

RosieRabbit17 · 22/04/2021 17:47

@Pancakes7

I'm trying to stop thinking about it but I feel sick with worry and have cried a lot. Am I overreacting?

I felt exactly the same as you when I got the news. I spoke to a midwife about it the next day and honestly I felt so much better. Have you talked it through with anyone? I think for me I was worried as even the midwife said my level is particularly low and I know I'll be a wreck at my 20 week scan but I definitely feel calmer about it.

I'm 14 + 5 now. How about you?

OP posts:

UnaOfStormhold · 22/04/2021 17:54

Yes it is quite a low level but there was a study I found when I was going through this which found that even for low levels of PappA (below 0.2 MoM) there is 98% chance of a good outcome. And I think that's before taking aspirin is factored in. I know how hard it is but please try not to worry.

Pancakes7 · 22/04/2021 19:42

@UnaOfStormhold thank you that's good to hear. Do you still have the article?

@RosieRabbit17 I'm 14 weeks +2. I've got a private 17 week scan for gender then my nhs 20 week scan. So looking forward to those for now. ❤️ I did talk it over with the Screening midwife who was really helpful and calmed me down then I spiralled again... but I'm doing much better today. Had a lovely day with DS at the park and it's been really sunny. Feeling positive. X

UnaOfStormhold · 22/04/2021 20:18

I'm sorry, I don't have it any more.

LunaDreams · 22/04/2021 20:50

Apologies if this is a daft question but how do you know what your Papp-A score is?

I'm 17 weeks now and had my FTCS results about a month ago which showed I was very low risk for the 3 trisonomies but had no mention of Papp-A levels.

Original poster

RosieRabbit17 · 22/04/2021 21:03

@LunaDreams

Apologies if this is a daft question but how do you know what your Papp-A score is?

I'm 17 weeks now and had my FTCS results about a month ago which showed I was very low risk for the 3 trisonomies but had no mention of Papp-A levels.

I think you only get told the level if it's a problem. I didn't even know it existed with my first 😂

OP posts:

Pancakes7 · 22/04/2021 23:23

@LunaDreams it's on your scan report. They'll only mention it in your letter if it's low.

Pancakes7 · 22/04/2021 23:24

I'm thinking about getting a Doppler ultrasound to check the blood flow to the placenta. They do it at a private clinic. Have any of you considered this?

GinWithLime · 22/04/2021 23:28

I had it and no issues. Baby born healthy at 39 weeks just over 7lbs. We had growth scans throughout and it was nice to see baby regularly!

Pancakes7 · 22/04/2021 23:34

@GinWithLime Thank you for sharing. That's good to know. I'm going to book private growth scans as my hospital won't do them due to covid.

Ghayu · 07/05/2021 00:21

I had low Papp a during my last pregnancy and needed extra scans to make sure the baby wasn’t too small. I delivered healthy baby at 39 weeks..
I'm planning for second baby now. Will I definitely have it again or is it specific to that particular pregnancy? Pleas help

Pancakes7 · 07/05/2021 07:28

@Ghayu I didn't have it with my first pregnancy but do this time. Midwife said it's specific to reach pregnancy. So it doesn't mean you'll definitely have it again.

Good to know your baby was delivered at 39 weeks and healthy.

Ghayu · 07/05/2021 09:20

@Pancakes7 thanks for ur reply I'm relieved now ..
The only thing which was concern for my son was his abdominal circumference was low.. he s 20mo now and he s small baby due to his small waist.. but other than that he s a very active and happy baby.. even I was worrying so much during my pregnancy but you can't do anything to make it better.. just have healthy and high protein diet. Ur baby will be healthy and fine ❤️ don't worry..

Pancakes7 · 07/05/2021 09:22

@Ghayu Thanks, it helps to hear about happy stories from this. I'm glad your boy is well. Mines a little boy too 💙 I really hope so. They already put me forward a week at my dating scan. So baby is big atm so that gives me confidence in him being ok.

Lalanbaba · 07/05/2021 10:08

I had low papp-A with my little one.
Aspirin and consultant led. You will get lots of extra scans!
No one seems worried as far as she kept the growth curve and she kept moving.
Born 6lbs with no health problems.
Got induced at 38 weeks as her growth curve stopped growing

Kainatfat · 29/09/2021 14:25

Hi
I got my 13 weeks scan and test results. Midwife called and said I’m low risk for Down syndrome. But I have low placental hormone which could lead to certain complications. My PAPP-A level is 0.37 MOM and free b-hcg is 1.15 MOM.
I have one child but then two miscarriages this is is my fourth pregnancy. I’m really anxious after hearing the results. Can I still have normal pregnancy or is it something untreatable because I have read some very troubling researches. Can anyone help?
She has give me aspirin until 36 weeks.

Senorasurf · 29/09/2021 14:48

@Kainatfat

Hi I got my 13 weeks scan and test results. Midwife called and said I’m low risk for Down syndrome. But I have low placental hormone which could lead to certain complications. My PAPP-A level is 0.37 MOM and free b-hcg is 1.15 MOM. I have one child but then two miscarriages this is is my fourth pregnancy. I’m really anxious after hearing the results. Can I still have normal pregnancy or is it something untreatable because I have read some very troubling researches. Can anyone help? She has give me aspirin until 36 weeks.

I had the same results as you. I've had extra scans but baby has stuck to 50th centile so I've literally had no differences to previous pregnancy except being induced tomorrow :) (40+3, they wanted to induce on due date but compromised at +3 to give baby a slightly higher chance of coming the self!)

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