Low Papp a and 1:3 in Down syndrome - positive NIPT post midwife discussion

[Ash2345f]

Hi everyone I had my results from my 12 week scan today and results from my testing places me at high risk and I require further testing I am 34 years old. Baby’s fluid behind the neck was fine and my pregnancy hormone level was fine but I have low Papp a - they have said there is a 1 in 3 chance of Down’s syndrome and 1-46 Edward’s and Patau.

1.7 mon value (NT)

0.16 Papp a

1.1 pregnancy hormone level

Has anyone had any experience of this going for my NIPT tomorrow so worried about it all

Thanks x

Hiya I know the neck fluid can play a big part. Ours was a nt of 6.6mm! Sadly did have patau. I did a lot of research and all lower measurements were fine. I was told low papa could just mean u need meds to help your blood flow with your placenta. I think aspirin (blood thinning) good luck! X

Hi lovely,

im so sorry you are going through this.

i had a very similar experience with my DS. My hormone levels were okay, the fluid behind the neck was increased and I got given a 1:3 change of Down syndrome.

My NIPT come back lower risk. We didn’t do any further diagnostic tests as our midwife at the time reassured us it’s like 99% accurate.

At our 20 week scan I mentioned it to the midwife so I think she spent a bit more time ensuring those “soft factors” weren’t present (short femur etc) and we had a few more consultant appointment and scans to check everything. Depending on what midwife/consultant we saw some would be very reassuring and some would throw in that it’s not 100%.

Our baby boy was born without DS and is now a 15 month old ball of energy! During my c section I asked the doctor and he was confused to why I asked 🙃

It was however very frustrating on how they got that 1 in 3 (no one could explain why!) and scare the living life out of you! I read all the forums and it was the worst week of my life however I hope I can offer you some comfort to try and remain positive ❤️

We are currently TTC/poss pregnant after a miscarriage and we have agreed we would pay privately for a NIPT to get answers straight away instead of waiting longer for the NHS and going through that process again. The midwife did say eventually she thinks everyone will have a NIPT but it’s just the cost at the moment.

Sending lots of love your way ❤️

Thank you for sharing your stories. Trying to remain positive as she has scared the life out of me today picking up some aspirin tomorrow and my NIPT is booked in for 4:30pm going to be the longest week ever. Just trying to remind myself the fluid behind his/her neck is within normal range as is my pregnancy hormone level but still the 1:3 has really shocked me x

Fingers crossed for you. Let us know how you get on. I read so many positive stories like yours x

Hi @Ash2345f I just wondered if everything was ok?