Abnormally high HCG levels linked to Downs Syndrome

[LuluHB]

So, my hcg levels are off the charts. At 7+4 they were 346,000. I'm having 5000 iui pregnyl shots twice a week so that accounts for some of the levels, but hadn't had a shot for 3 days prior to the blood test.

Started off thinking hey, that's why I'm feeling like crap but having consulted Dr Google (stupid stupid stupid) I am now seriously freaked out to read that high HCG is linked to Downs. I'm 41 so Downs is already a huge risk.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Its going to kill me waiting for my 12 week scan.

Thanks.

[Heaven]

I had really high levels too and read the same thing. But all was fine I also had really high levels with DD2 aswell so i guess that's just the way it is with me.

All the best with your scan but I'm sure it's fine, that is only one factor and not a definite predictor of anything wrong at all

[Liviam]

Hi gorgeous lady. I had the same high levels with DD and you know that she is all good. The next few weeks are going to be really difficult because you can't forget what you have read but I'm positive that your little is just perfect and is going to be gorgeous. Here for you if you need to vent or need hugs.

STAY OFF GOOGLE HUN!!!!!

[KimB]

Don't forget that high levels can also mean TWINS lol

[Beach Mama]

LULU- GOOGLE NOT my love! I don't have any advice or experience other than that and agree with Dan, I am sure everything is fine (or else Kim is right and there are 2 bubs baking ) Huge reassuring hugs for you and I hope the next few weeks fly by. Can you also call your ob for reassurance and see what they say hun - could be any number of explanations by the sound of it. xoxoxox

[Lolpigs]

Don't forget that high levels can also mean TWINS lol

This!

[LuluHB]

thanks ladies. I know there's only one - scan last week confirmed and no sign of a now lost twin. I'm also sure of my dates given I had an injection for ovulation. Clinic's only comments are that they are extremely high levels, they thought there would be twins with numbers like it, and hey I must be feeling awful. I doubt they would tell me they had concerns for Down's though given I can't test for it yet anyway - not good to intentionally stress out a mumma to be. Down's has been a big worry for me given my age so I really really really wish I hadn't read any of it!

Dan - you make me laugh lovely. Thanks. I needed a laugh.

[sloane]

lulu. it is stressful waiting for the 12 week scan. but hcg levels are just one indicator or downs. and even when combined with the other factors, still only provide a risk level & isn't diagnostic. i know it's easy to say, but worrying about it or googling won't change anything other than making you more stressed. i was convinced that i had an ectopic pregnancy with DS because i had a pain in a should blade & dr google told me that it was a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. dr google just makes you crazy with worry. hope the time passes quickly for you

[EsJay]

i have been where you are.
they are supposed to start to level out around 7-8 weeks or at least stop increasing, so if they do that, you are really not that far off the top end of the scale(bb guide 7 - 12w: 11,500 - 289,000) but remember these are a guide only. I was 26 and at the 10wk bt my hcg was 1million, from memory my afp level was very low too this made me high risk, nt scan showed a perfect baby but still only lowered my risk to 1:82. I had an amnio and there was/is nothing wrong with dd, she is a perfect healthy toddler now. while it is something they use as a marker, its just one of several factors. if your hcg starts to drop, by the 10wk bt it could be in the guide range and you will have worried about nothing. Please dont stress yourself out when you dont know if theres anything to worry about anyway. i have had 2 bt's this time and had high levels both times again so its at the back of my mind too, but i made a decision not to stress myself unless i have to, easier said than done i know, but even if they tell you you're high risk, that doesnt necessarily mean theres anything wrong and so often we are put through this stress for no reason. hugs hun, let us know how you go. hth

[Liviam]

Lulu do you want me to tell you about the lady at work who had one baby on an early dating scan and then surprise surprise two at the 12 week scan

If you don't I won't, LOL!!

[LuluHB]

Thanks sloane and Jen. Google is such a monster at times.

Dan - you are evil. Pure evil

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

Hi Lulu
Just wanted to say Congrats on the pregnancy and I'm sure everything is fine. I've been known to consult doctor google and it really doesn't help at all. I'm excited for you and I know the wait for the scan feels like an eternity!

[EsJay]

lulu i discussed this with my dr today as mine are high again and i was concerned. she said the general bt's check the beta hcg which is what they use to check the pregnancy is progressing and the likelihood of multiples in early pregnancy. the hcg which is tested at 10weeks for the nt scan at 12 weeks is called free hcg and is tested different and this is the one that matters and she said is totally seperate from beta hcg in early pregnancy and she said the papp-a has to be really low as well to give a high risk result (which as i thought was what happened to me last time). I hope this makes sense and i hth

[LuluHB]

Jen - I love you!!! Thank you so much. Won't completely erase Dr Google in my head but at least now there is something more positive in there too. Thanks again.

Jan - thanks lovely. You've not got long to go now!!