Thankyou AJP and satya. I am going to go ahead with the scan. Hopefully it'll just be good results then I won't even have to worry.
Lulu- apparently higher hcg can indicate chromosomal problems or DS. But it's not actually the level of hcg, it's that it doesn't go down later in pregnancy which is common in DS pregnancies. So who knows why they think a BT at 8 wks is relevant.
Sorry you are having to go through this, these medical professionals sometimes make mountains out of molehills and worry the poor mums to death, do they not undersatnd stress they put people under!!!
My HCG results were similar to yours and although my doctor resquested an early scan to check the dates, nothing has been mentioned about any other problems relating to the HCG results, if I hadn't read about the issues you are facing I would be completely oblivious.
I am having the NT scan on the 6th August, my risk of problems will be higher than average due to age (at 37 I am classed as an older mum, according to the way some of the doctors talk, practically geriatric, should be using a walking frame and getting my pension by now I think, lol), looking forward to seeing bubs, and trying not to worry about the results.
Hope all goes well, and try not to worry, these medical people are all jobs worth!!!
Take care,
Sorry this has been stressful for you. I can't offer a lot of advice which has not already been said.
In my case I had the NT scan which showed to be ok but when I had the bloods done I had soft markers for downs and was given a 1:113. Due to the risk of m/c we decided against CVS/Amino but to wait till my 18wk scan as to see whether there were any physical defects that would indicate downs (eg no nasal nose, extra digit, heart problems etc). Fortunately everything was fine and I have a perfectly healthy 2yo. I have been told by a few obs that there is a high chance of "false positive" readings when it comes to the blood work. I would say have the NT and if the measurement is in the normal bracket and if bubs is looking fine than just relax.
Take care
Oh just wanted to add - when I fell pregnant the third time we decided not to even had the blood work done (which you have done with the NT scan) as I didn't want to go through the stress like last time. My Ob just did a normal scan for me in his room, measured the thickness (which was normal) and I left it at that.
Last edited by Diamond75; July 27th, 2008 at 01:26 PM.
: to add more
SJ, I'm sure everything is fine for you, especially given that your levels are still within the normal range. But high HCG levels can occasionally be indicative that something's not quite right. I know you feel annoyed with the hospital, but they are only doing what they're there for. It would be terrible if you needed something, but they didn't do it, just so as not to stress you out!
I personally would have all the 12 week testing done and see where that lands you......you might find that you have excellent results and can then go on to have a happy and stress-free pg! Of course, it's a decision that only you and your partner can make, and you need to feel comfortable with it.
Big hugs it is always scary when we are thrown a curve ball...
Higher than average Free BHCG levels between 11 weeks and approx 5 days and 13 weeks and approx 5 days occur sometimes in babies with chromososmal challenges. Coupled usually with low PAPP-A levels. That is a fact. However, they also occur when there is not a problem.
Please please remember that these are all SCREENING tests. They are not definitive and cannot be wrong or right. They can indicate a possible issue but do not by any means conculsively decide it.
When you enter into a screening test you should be made aware that it is just that -screening. Yes, there is a risk of a "false ?positive" but then you can decide wheather to continue on with more invasive testing or to wait. It can be very traumatic - and I feel so very much for you.
It is universally accepted that CVS and amniocentesis carry a risk of miscarriage - a needle is invading the gestational space... However, these risks are lower with some clinicians than with others. Ask for their stats and then make your decision if you decide on invasive testing.
It must be remembered that a high free hcg and low papp-A can occur with an otherwise "normal" nt u/s. This will increase your risk ratio. Many clinicians will conuduct a very thorough u/s including facial bones, etc - the heart is impossible to u/s fully at this gestation.
My advice is to take it a step at a time. Yes, that hcg is a little high but in the absence of anything else it can just be a quirk.
Sending you a big squishy understanding hug my love...
Tracey- Thankyou, I was hoping you would come in here because I knew you had similar results to me. It's good to know they didn't say anything to you about it. The letter they sent back said something like they recieved the referral and asked a consultant what to do and he said do these tests. Sounds like they just said we have someone with high hcg levels what should we do and he said oh well may as well do these other tests. Meanwhile it makes it look to me like they think something is wrong. Very annoying.
Diamond- Thankyou for your advice, that is a good idea about waiting till the 18wk scan to see if there are any other markers, depending on the NT results. I will think about that if the results come back high risk just coz of the blood tests.
Janie- Thankyou, yes I'm definately having the NT scan, lets just hope all is good and I don't even have to worry about making a decision about further testing
Flowerchild- Thankyou for all your information and advice. Hopefully it's just a normal hcg for me and nothing to even worry about.
So, as I said, I definately am having the scan done but I'm just dissapointed I feel like I can't be too excited about it now because something might be wrong and I can't tell anyone until I know everything is alright. I'm supposed to be all excited and happy now and it's not fair!!
Thanks for listening guys!!
OK - this is NOT meant to add to your stress but in response to the reason for the placental assessment after the delivery of your baby. Elevated HCG levels can also be an indication of a molar pregnancy where there is an abnormal proliferation of cells. If this is the case, additional treatment may be required. Usually a normally progressing pregnancy is a really good sign but it is still something they would monitor throughout and after delivery to ensure the HCG levels fall back to normal.
Given that you've already had a successful ultrasound SJ, I'm sure that everything will be okay. Pg after loss is always stressful, make sure you lean on your friends who understand
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I feel like I can't be too excited about it now because something might be wrong and I can't tell anyone until I know everything is alright. I'm supposed to be all excited and happy now and it's not fair!!
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