Low PAPP-A

[Lady H]

I've had a call to say that the bloods for my downs were not great. All measures on scan were good, and everything on bloods OK except for something called PAPP-A which is low. I moves my risk to 1/65. I've done some research and if you have CVS/Ammnio and genetically baby is fine, it does mean there are high chances of the placenta failing, baby dying, not growing or premature labour.

As you can imagine I'm in bits and the last thing I was to do is go on holiday for 2 weeks and delay tests but I fly Saturday. I have no idea right now what to do.

 

[LRT]

Hi Lady H,
I had a low Papp-a when I was pregnant with my son. He wound up having IUGR (growth restricted). They monitored him closely with non-stress tests and biophysical profile scans and I had to deliver him early at 36w5d. He was 4 lbs 1 oz at birth, small but otherwise fine. It makes the pregnancy stressful, but they'll monitor you closely and everything should be fine.

 

[chattyB]

i had a low papp-a too (also had an amnio due to 3.5mm on NT scan - baby is fine). I'll be having growth scans at 32 and 36 weeks to track growth and rule out IUGR. I had a private 3D scan at 30 weeks with my consultant and baby measured bang on at 3lb 7oz ... I have everything crossed that baby continues to grow well.

 

[lisanicole]

I had low papp -a with my son. He was two weeks overdue and over 7 pounds at birth. I am 5 weeks pregnant again and expecting to probably have low pap a again. this time i will not worry as much.

 

[Lady H]

Thanks for the reassurance Ladies, I'm hoping the good NT result means it's nothing major. Interestingly my Mum had me and my Brother early and we were both small, me 4lb 1oz at 38 weeks and him 5lb at term, (tired to come 4 weeks early) so I am wondering if it is something hereditary.

 

[lisanicole]

I thought the same thing as my mother never carried any of us to term.. i was born 2.5 months early and weighed 3 pounds! I think it may be hereditary or something. However, i did carry Jake two weeks over due and was a healthy 7 pounds 12 ounces!

The one good thing with having Low Pap-A was I got to have sonograms every 4 weeks after 20 weeks! Most in 3D to make sure no growth restriction!

 

[chattyB]

I had a growth scan a week ago and all is looking good . Baby weighed 3lb 7oz at 30 weeks and 4lb 11oz at 32 weeks. I have a follow up scan at 36 weeks to check all is well but baby is following the 50 centile line on the chart and the Dr said she doesn't anticipate this changing.

 

[Lady H]

Great news chatty, I'm hoping all goes well for you. Counting down to my amnio Monday. Xx

 

[GoldieLocs]

My PAPP-A is in the 20th percentile and I have no idea if this is very very low..or what?????

It moved my TS18 and 13 to 1:161...I don't know if I should be worried or what???

 

[Lady H]

Not sure Goldie, has you Dr given any advice? Mine was a measure of 0.24 mom. It's sounds a little low but not awful. How was the scan result.

If it helps, I had an amnio Monday and got my results back today and it's clear for the three T disorders. I'm so so relived.my highest risk with the low PAPP was T21.

 

[GoldieLocs]

My NT results were within normal..but my blood work was high normal.

I took that new blood test to determine the risk of TS 18 and 13..so waiting for those results in 8 to 10 days.

 

[Lady H]

Good luck Goldie, everything crossed for you. I do personally think if the scan is normal all should be ok. Xx

 

[lovinlife]

My PAPP A was on the lowish side too. 0.50-1.50 is considered "normal" and anything under is considered "low." Mine was 0.46.

The doctors aren't overly concerned but said it was a marker for pre-term labor, pre-eclampsia, and IUGR. However the genetic counselor said the chance of those things happening just from the low PAPP A is 1-3%.

Doctors will monitor every 4 weeks starting at 4 weeks, but they say they really aren't that considered as PAPP A is simply a marker, not a diagnosis.

Hope that helps!

 

[cautious...]

Hey! Just came across this thread. I also had very low Papp-A levels of 0.21. I had my 34 week scan yesterday and baby is measuring above average and the blood flow through the cord is perfect. I have been very anxious about this the whole way through my pregnancy but no one at the hospital seemed very concerned.

I hope all goes well for you xx