Low PAPP-A?

sarahbkln

Hi all--

I am wondering if anyone else has been told that they have low PAPP-A? It is a protein that the placenta is supposed to make. As a part of my NT scan/1st trimester screening, they tested for a number of different things, including this. I am apparently very low in PAPP-A, in the 2nd percentile. It can apparently be a marker for Down's, but because my Materni21 screen and the NT measurement/nasal bone came back fine/negative for chromosomal problems, the doctor said there is pretty much no chance of a chromosomal problem at this point.

BUT, low PAPP-A can also point to placental problems down the road, including pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, premature birth, and even stillbirth. So, of course, I'm scared.

The doctor basically told me not to worry, that the most likely scenario is that this means nothing at all, or that it will result in something minor, like a smaller than average baby. But I made the mistake of googling it, and freaked out. I talked to my doctor again today and she said again that it's not something to be too worried about. They're going to do ultrasounds every four weeks to make sure growth is on target, and other than that, nothing.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with this. If so, what did your doctor tell you? Are you dong anything like taking baby aspirin? (I heard that some providers recommend this, but mine doesn't.)

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 9 months, and thanks in advance for any insight.

CogDis

Be careful with other people's experiences regarding this! Everybody has different health realities and are not exactly the same as you. Generally if your doctors are not concerned you shouldn't be either. You never know if the horror stories about the same result that you read about anonymously on the Internet are giving you all of the information that's necessary to truly understand their situation. Maybe they also had other health problems like diabetes, blood problems, respiratory ailments, genetic risk problems etc. Your doctor had all of the necessary health information to determine whether you should worry, and said not to worry, keep that in mind.

beagee413

I totally agree with @CogDis‌ - don't freak yourself out more! The follow-up ultrasounds will tell you everything you need to know. since everything else came back normal, it probably just falls into the just-one-of-those-things category that was invented to make you stress unnecessarily!

HailsMom

I also was found to have low PAPP-A. The genetic counselor told me that other than the higher risk for trisomy 13/18(waiting on panorama results to check on that), it just means they will monitor my blood pressure and baby's growth more. She said they would probably bring me back for another scan around 28 weeks. I would try not to worry since your doctors aren't worried. No reason to borrow trouble.

sarahbkln

Thank you so much, @CogDis, @sarabell52 and @HailsMom. You are totally right. I have got to dial my crazy back! I really appreciate the thoughtful responses.

mommaa1615

My dr did tell me that if there was an issue w that number he will prescribe a baby asprin every day until week 36. The nurse said he has been researching this for 15years & found baby asprin helps! Im sure everything will be fine..good luck & stay postive!

CogDis

@sarahbkln‌ I totally get it! As a FTM I always have to remind myself that the majority of pregnancies are unremarkably normal and that I'm unlikely to be special. Yet, despite that, I keep thinking it is dead inside of me!

Then I joke with myself that even if it is dead, it could be worse. At least we're not living in a world infected with zombie viruses so at least the dead baby won't eat me from the inside out.

My point is, imagination can be a wonderful and dreadfully disgusting and scary thing! Try to use yours for good and not evil and I'll promise to try to do the same! Lol