Thursday 19 January 2012

Good news, bad news

Had my monthly doctors appointment this am and we finally got the NT scan results - I can't believe I've had to wait so long for them :(

The good news is the downs risk came back as 1 in 16,000, and for my age it's generally 1 in 500.

The bad news (or potentially bad news) is my PAPP-A score is below normal - 0.33 when the lower limit is 0.36 - my doctor said this is a relatively new screening and may mean nothing, but it can indicate fetal growth issues of placenta problems.  So from 20 weeks I will be getting monthly ultrasounds, and scheduling weekly doctors appointments from 30 weeks onwards.

I'm a little freaked out - I did the worst thing possible and googled low PAPP-A scores and want to curl up in a ball and cry.  Google is not a nice place for me right now.

I have my anatomy u/s scheduled for the 1st Feb, and am hoping I get a nicer tech this time who will tell me if the baby is measuring on track for development.  They will not tell the sex.

The heartbeat was 149 today, it was 160 at our last u/s on 20thDec, I'm sure its normal to have it vary.  The doctor said my uterus was measuring perfectly on target - which was a nice thing to hear.

I guess I'm just trying to take in this new news, and decide how to share it with my family, being categorised as high risk was something I didn't want, although happy if it makes it safer for the baby.  I'm just scared that this is going to turn out like our past experiences again :(

8 comments:

  1. I don't really know what PAPP-A is. I tried to google it but I everyone was talking about low scores but not what they actually mean. I don't know how to make you feel better but just here to listen if you need support. xx

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  2. Oh crap, I'm sorry about the worry and being high-risk. I would be scared too! I don't know exactly what that means but figure it has to do with the baby's growth somehow.

    P.s I can't comment with my new id if not having the option name/url in the comment. will close this account in a few weeks. Just wanted you to know.

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  3. I'm so sorry about this added worry. I've tried to find a little more info about PAPP-A but the only thing I can see is that if the measurement is multiples of the mean then you're just barely below the cut-off and may be within statistical variation. Medical tests are notorious for pretending that all you need is a single cut-off to determine if you're "good" or "bad" when that's ridiculous and not how measurements work.

    The good thing is that they know there's an possibility of an issue and they're going to be taking every possible caution to make sure it isn't true. I know high risk is scary, but it does lead to more frequent monitoring that can make you feel better.

    And, I know that I'd be worrying just as much as you are, no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise. So, really, I'm just sending lots of hugs and support your way and here if you need to vent.

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  4. Honestly, I think all of us IF'ers should be classified as high risk. The term itself just means you will go to the dr more often, get more ultrasounds and your care will be monitored more closely. After all we have been through to get here, I appreciate the extra attention to make sure the pregnancy goes well. I am only being seen by the high risk dr and it really gives me peace of mind - my hubby (neonatal dr) insisted on this. The PAPP-A is just a predictor test, it doesn't mean anything is definitely wrong. They use that test in combination with several others to predict various outcomes. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this though, hang in there *HUGS*

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  5. Thanks ladies, feeling a little more stable today. I know the likely hood of an issue is small, I think it was just the shock of having a low abnormal score.

    Google is definitely not kind, the outcome can be placenta problems, growth retardation, mental disabilities, stillbirth and miscarriage.

    I am hoping that we will just be a statistical blip (I work on clinical trials analyzing the data, including lab results). The extra monitoring will be good and I'm hoping on our Feb 1st u/s they will tell me if the baby is measuring correct for the week. I think that data will help ease my mind

    *hugs*

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  6. Sorry sweetie - thinking of you. I wish there was something we all could say or do to make you feel better. I'll be thinking of you and your little one - sending lots of love & prayers.

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  7. Big Hugz and sending positive thoughts and pryers.

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  8. Sending happy thoughts and wishes to you. So sorry you are dealing with these worries. I pray everything is going to be fine. Sounds like your doctors are taking good care of you. Keep us updated!

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