17 Weeks Pregnancy Update and a PAPP-A Deficiency

This week I found out the results of my sequential screening. This screening tests for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) and open neural tube defects. The only reason I test for this is so that I can get that extra ultrasound at 12 weeks. I’ll jump at any opportunity to see my baby-in-progress. It would also be helpful for us to be mentally prepared in the event that there was some type of abnormality with the baby, but I would never consider terminating a pregnancy if my results came back positive.

I’m grateful that my risks for both Down Syndrome and Patau Syndrome as well as Spina Bifida, are as low as can be. I’m thankful for the negative test result. However, I did learn that my PAPP-A (Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) number is much lower than it should be. Those with a number lower than .50 are flagged, and mine was .19. Of course I couldn’t help myself last night as I googled away and worried myself into a panic.

The nurse who gave me the results first used the words “protein”, so I wasn’t sure if I needed to eat more or what. I noshed on some cheese and nuts last night just in case!

Apparently, both the nurse and my doctor are not concerned as they both played it down saying that it was very common and nothing to worry about. I’ll have to get an extra ultrasound at 34 weeks to make sure the baby is growing and I may have to endure non-stress tests etc. toward the end of my pregnancy.

Since my other results came out negative, my blood pressure is perfect, and I’m otherwise okay, I probably should not worry. But I can’t help but feed my neurosis.

So I’d like to know…

Have you or someone you know ever had a PAPP-A deficiency during pregnancy?

I’d love to hear from you.