Spiralling with High Risk Factors (preterm, low papp A)

[Biscoff2024]

Hi all, I’m hoping someone can help talk me out of the current spiral that I’m in. I had a preterm birth at 30+2 weeks 6 years ago - totally unexpected and traumatic. We’ve always wanted more than one child and have only just felt ready to go through the journey of pregnancy again. I’d researched progesterone, stitch and everything inbetween so when I fell pregnant this July I thought I had a plan in place to ensure I got further along than last time. Unfortunately I’ve just had my Papp-A results come back as low, and have seen that one of the risks is preterm birth :( I know they say the risks are only slightly increased but the idea of ‘risk upon risk’ has sent me into a real spiral. I keep thinking that my fate is sealed already with this. I’m also terrified of second trimester loss, especially as I’ve had some spotting recently (EPU said they couldn’t find a cause). Honestly I’m just so exhausted - I thought I’d be in control this time round but it’s proving so so hard. Any positive stories or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading x

Aw I'm sorry you're feeling this way. They will monitor you closely. I had low Papp-A in both pregnancies and some reduced growth towards the end, which was picked up on due to extra growth scans. I was induced at 37 weeks with DS and 38 weeks with DD. Both healthy children with no complications.
There's nothing you can do really other than accept the extra monitoring and possibly prepare for an induction around 37 weeks.

@neleh87 thank you so much for replying. It’s so good to hear positive stories about the Papp-A not causing any issues - it’s just with having that previous pregnancy complication of preterm birth and then this ontop, it’s sent me into a panic! But you’re completely right, there’s nothing I can do except accept their extra screenings. I would be absolutely thrilled if I got to 37 weeks! 😂