Elevated free b-HCG

[334]

I am 36 years old and managed to get pregnant by IVF after four unsuccessful attempts and years of dealing with infertility.I had bleeding through the third month of pregnancy (now am 17 weeks pregnant).The ultrasound at week 13 showed a nuchal translucency of 2,2 mm.The triple test showed an elevated level of free b-HCG (three times the normal value),and calculated risk of Down syndrome 1:236. The following ultrasound was normal, doppler ultrasound of placental circulation normal. My doctor said that the one result that was not OK (elevated b-HCG) alone is not an indication for amniocentesis, since I had bleeding and high-risk pregnancy. I am very worried and would appreciate any advice you can give me on the subject. Thank You

[334]

Thanks for the answer, feel a little better. Maybe it is too late for the amnio anyway, and I should stop worrying (just how to do that, I suppose I will have to learn) and hope for the best.I was so looking to this pregnancy and now that I am here all I seem to do is worry instead of enjoying it. Thank You again and all the best!

[adgal]

Hi there and congratulations on your pregnancy.  I had a similar experience to yours.  I too bled off and on my entire first trimester.  I also had abnormal bloodwork with my first trimester screen, with a normal nucheal translucency. In my case my free b-hcg was very low.  What they are looking for in the bloodwork is the ratio between the free beta and the other hormone they measure (can't remember what it is).  In your case the free beta was probably much higher then the other, triggering the positive screen. In my case it was much lower with similar results.  My downs risk came back 1:13.  I too was scared, particularly because I am 40.  I chose to have the amnio, mainly because for me, not knowing is the worse thing that can happen.  My baby is perfectly healthy. All is fine.    It doesn't sound like amnio is a good choice for you, and try looking at it the other way.  There is 235:236 chance your baby is fine...pretty good odds. I can also tell you that basing the odds on bloodwork alone is not very reliable.  Most downs babies have physical markers and it doesn't sound like that is the case with you.  I bet your little one is completley healthy!!  Good luck to you!