Low PAPP-A Results after Nuchal Translucency Scan

[melbel]

hun....I have had type 1 diabetes for 30years and have calculated I have already doen somewhere in the vicinity of 25,000 -30,000 injections...a few more is soooo not an issue.....LOL!!! I am also on Gavin Sack's protocol for immune based miscarriages/nk cell issues as I think you were so am already on clexane just a lower dose....

[Inanna]

I just want to add - a low PAPP-A is thought to occur when implantation of the placenta is a bit iffy... Most often the placental position etc appears fine - but remembering that the formation of the placenta - just like that of the fetus is an intricate miracle!

A bit lke building a house - if the foundations are not strong it can make the house a little less stable. One house may be fine and stand 200 years - another may need extra fortification so that it stays strong. REally that is what the low PAPP-A is saying... You might need a little help here, then again you might not!

This is the business of babies - most of the time all goes well - but it's all an unknown - Faith in the outcome and strength in the process is important...

[Inanna]

I remember now about your Diabetes... Sorry my love...

Did you do the prednisolone as well? If so how did that go with your diabetes?

[melbel]

Yup have been on 25mgs pred...am weaning off now...down to 15 at the moment....in a strange twist of irony the prednisone has balanced out the first trimester lows that most type 1's get so the net increase in insulin dose has been zero....which is awesome...At the moment with me weaning off the pred and still being in that window of hypos I am actually taking less than pre pregnancy insulin doses.....this will swing the other way in the next month or so...but so far so good!!!

[squidipa]

thanks mel, you been a good help.


unfortunately i think that when your a public patient and cant afford private it really does matter

[Inanna]

Squid you will still get a rebate from Medicare - many many many people without private health access a private fetal medicine specialist. Also if you are on a low income and once your expenses exceed $500 you will get 85% of your out of pocket expenses back.

It is worth one appointment that you will get a rebate for - the more knowledge you have the better informed decisions you can make...

[melbel]

Hun, even as a public patient you can request a referral to the fetal medicine unit at the closest large hospital to you.......they are all medicare funded........

[squidipa]

Hun, even as a public patient you can request a referral to the fetal medicine unit at the closest large hospital to you.......they are all medicare funded........

i got one to Royal brisbane but have to wait till 18 week scan as i refused to do the other two tests due to risks.

[Inanna]

If you have a health care card you may get a more discounted rate also my love. It truly is worth looking into for your peace of mind.
Think of how you can not of how you can't - I do know that in the public system if you have refused their recommended treatment it can be harder - my support to you honey...

[squidipa]

If you have a health care card you may get a more discounted rate also my love. It truly is worth looking into for your peace of mind.

its a hard spot to be in we live of 550 a week for 3 children 2 adults and 300 a week rent. we do our best and god supply's our needs.

[HollyC]

This is very interesting. Thanks Mel! So far no one has suggested any treatment for low papp-a.

I suppose I should talk to my OB before starting aspirin? I have a feeling it isn't usually recommended in pregnancy.....

It is just that I would love to start straight away. It would feel so good to actually be doing something rather than just waiting.

[melbel]

as the doc today said normal dose aspirin is not good in pregnancy but low dose can beneficial....they also use it to help prevent pre eclampsia in women who have a past history of it......low dose are those tablets they give to old farts to help prevent heart issues....lol...my mum and dad take low dose aspirin for that reason!

[Inanna]

It sounds like it's a hard spot to be in darling woman - but look into it - make some enquiries and tell them you are on a health care card. I am sure that doors will open...

Holly - asprin is used regularly in high risk pregnancies - however I wouldn't recommend not consulting with your care provider first. I believe it is the regime of both asprin and heparin that is most effective. This is because they work a little differently. Talk to your doctor - wishing you luck...

[Inanna]

It sounds like it's a hard spot to be in darling woman - but look into it - make some enquiries and tell them you are on a health care card. I am sure that doors will open...

Holly - asprin is used regularly in high risk pregnancies - however I wouldn't recommend not consulting with your care provider first. I believe it is the regime of both asprin and heparin that is most effective. This is because they work a little differently. Talk to your doctor - wishing you luck...

[EveningRose]

Hi there.

I have just been reading this thread with interest as I got a bit of a fright at my checkup today. When I had my Nuchal scan my results were as follows:

hcG : 0.773 Mom
PAPP-A : 0.271 MoM
Trisomy 21 Risk : 1:322

We decided not to have any further testing done and my doc and midwife seemed unconcerned by the PAPP-A results, but said we could do an extra scan in the third trimester. So I brushed it off and haven't given it much thought.....until today. I will be 31 weeks tomorrow and so far baby's growth appears to have been on track, but when I went in today my fundul height is exactly the same as it was at my last visit 3 weeks ago. So I have been in a state of shock and panicking a bit. I am booked in for an US on Wednesday, and until then I am driving myself crazy with all sorts of unknowns. I am also a public patient and have only seem GP's and midwives this pregnancy. We have also just moved towns to Bunbury and hence have started all over again with caregivers.

I just feel scared and helpless and don't know where to go from here, other than just waiting for the US on Wednesday.

[squidipa]

thanks for your support flower child,

rose i wish you all the best thank you for sharing your journey with us also helps

[Stella'sMum]

All the best EveningRose, hopefully the baby is just in a funny position and is growing just fine. You are getting closer to the end now so fingers crossed its all good.

[squidipa]

i had a phone call and i am booked in on the 14th oct for my scan and booked in to see a genetic councilor after that . Just thought ild let ya know. What questions should i ask?