Low PAPP-A Results after Nuchal Translucency Scan

[bridee]

Hi Stellas Mum, I certainly know exactly what you are going through as I have recently just gone through the same thing. I'm currently 21 weeks and got very similar results to you at 12 weeks. My results were:

NT: 1.28
freeBHCG: 1.1 MOM
Papp-a: .28MOM

We also elected to have the CSV which came back with everything being good. Given there are no other markers you should be ok as well. My OB has said he has had patients reach 39weeks but other only reaching 28 so it is very individual. I'm having additional growth scans at this stage at 28 and 32 weeks but really all depends of the results.

My 19 week scan showed bubs was growing right on target but OB has said it really isn't until 28 weeks where we can start to tell what might happen as that is when bubs will start to have growth spurts. My 19 weeks did show that bubs has only a single umibilical artery (SUA) (instead of 2), this is linked to kidney problems (but scan showed bubs does have 2 kidneys) and small babies. Given we were already expecting a small baby from the papp-a that is not a big shock. Anyway I don't think the SUA is linked in anyway to the papp-a just lucky (hahah) to get the 2 issues in the one pregnancy.

Anyway can't really help you with the outcome of pregnancy but it is great to hear someone else going through the same thing coz I don't think it is really common.

[Stella'sMum]

Thanks for your reply Bridee. I am so glad to hear your baby is growing well at 19 weeks.
Our doctor said this to us too, that the baby doesn't really start growing independently until about the 20th week, so fingers crossed it keeps growing like a champion for the next 20 weeks!
Please keep me updated on how everything goes. I wish there was something we could do to 'fix' this!

Hi Stellas Mum, I certainly know exactly what you are going through as I have recently just gone through the same thing. I'm currently 21 weeks and got very similar results to you at 12 weeks. My results were:

NT: 1.28
freeBHCG: 1.1 MOM
Papp-a: .28MOM

We also elected to have the CSV which came back with everything being good. Given there are no other markers you should be ok as well. My OB has said he has had patients reach 39weeks but other only reaching 28 so it is very individual. I'm having additional growth scans at this stage at 28 and 32 weeks but really all depends of the results.

My 19 week scan showed bubs was growing right on target but OB has said it really isn't until 28 weeks where we can start to tell what might happen as that is when bubs will start to have growth spurts. My 19 weeks did show that bubs has only a single umibilical artery (SUA) (instead of 2), this is linked to kidney problems (but scan showed bubs does have 2 kidneys) and small babies. Given we were already expecting a small baby from the papp-a that is not a big shock. Anyway I don't think the SUA is linked in anyway to the papp-a just lucky (hahah) to get the 2 issues in the one pregnancy.

Anyway can't really help you with the outcome of pregnancy but it is great to hear someone else going through the same thing coz I don't think it is really common.

[Inanna]

You are right Bridee it's not uncommon - especially now since the Nuchal Translucency Test has become a "usual" prenatal test for most women.

My PappA was 3 times greater than yours Stellas Mum. What I am trying to illustrate is that it's an indicator. It's not a diagnosis. Your level could be what it is and you have your baby at +40 weeks! My bby was born early due to my own illness - we just don't know what's around the corner.

In a way these tests are trying to tell us "what may be around the corner".

You will be monitored a little more closely - wishing you all the best my love...

[Stella'sMum]

Hi all,

Sydney genetics rang this afternoon, and thank God, the results were clear of trisomy abnormailities.

Fingers crossed our little baby keeps growing for the next 25 weeks and comes out healthy in every way.

Please keep responding as I will check back often and keep you updated with all the good news (fingers crossed)!

Stella'sMum

[bridee]

Great news Stellasmum. Look forward to sharing our stories over the coming months.

[M22]

that is so so so great- i cant imagine the relief you'll be feeling!!

all the best for a happy and healthy pregnancy!1

[Inanna]

YIPPPPPEEEEEEEE YEEEEHAW!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so so happy my love! It's such a relief.

Did you find out if you have a little girl or a little boy on board?

You could join one of our other chat threads to get much needed support. Thankyou for letting us know...

[bridee]

Just an update on what is happening. A month ago at routine OB appointment the scan done at OB office said baby was about 1 week behind in growth. I had a growth scan done today which found the baby has fallen further behind about 2 weeks behind or in the 10th% of gestation, also there is low fluid and blood flow is restricted through the cord. So not a glowing report. The only positive is that it is not conclusive whether the small growth is directly related to the placenta. My DD was only 5lb 14oz (born at 37wks) so I have small babies anyway. The 1 reason why it may not be a placenta issue is babies that have restricted growth due to placenta issues generally have a large head (out of proportion with the body) but my baby is in proportion so this can suggest the placenta is not restricting growth but the cord blood flow is a concern. We also found out the baby is breech (as was my first) but I already suspected that.

So I have another growth scan in 2 weeks to see what changes have occurred. From there there are a few options - steroid injections to help baby along with view of delivering shortly after, further monitoring (OB talked about going in every second day to have monitoring) and just continue on as growth is continuing.

But OB has said once we get to 34 weeks he will deliver baby as the baby will be fine out and it is safer than risking going any further. So it seems I will have a baby within 6 weeks. Oh the things I have to do.