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Antenatal tests

Can you do anything to bring hcg levels down and pappa levels up?

2 replies

OrangeBlossom2 · 24/04/2013 19:38

My downs screening check showed my hcg is high (2.12 MOM) and PAPP-A low (0.53 MOM) which is the bad way round for downs. My downs risk is 1 in 370 which, although much higher than the 1400 it was before the blood tests, is fine.

What I am worried about though is the other complications linked to high hcg and low pappa. Stillbirth, miscarriage, low birthweight, early delivery, preeclampsia etc. I called a midwife at the hospital today who said research on hcg isn't certain so they don't do anything about it, and that they only do extra growth scans and checks on the placenta if pappa is below 0.2MOM so they don't do anything about it.

I am now wondering if the levels are something I can improve, maybe through diet or exercise changes something? Any advice? I don't know much about it and googling just ends up worrying me so trying to avoid!

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Yummiliscious · 16/01/2014 17:44

My PAPP-a was low as well and was asking exactly the same question. Apparently it is a hormone produced by the placenta and may indicate how well the placenta is working, so unfortunately it cannot be controlled via diet or exercise (I wished it was like that), our placenta is just designed to produce that amount. my question was: is my placenta working well? And the consultant said if the baby is growing your placenta is working fine! Hope this helps!

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Yummiliscious · 16/01/2014 17:45

Oops just saw the date of your thread...

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