17 weeks 6 days... HCG high and at 1:77 risk

[babydaddysf]

Hello,

I just joined this group/  Hoping this will help me and my wife in future with questions we'll have.  We are expecting, my wife is 17 wks and 6 days pregnant.  We did genetic testing 3 weeks ago and got the results back yesterday where our doc told her that she was at high risk at her age.  She just turned 31 last month.  Her risk is at 1 in 77.  At her age it should be 1 in 600.  We went for Amniocentesis today.  In our counseling, we were explained the results and told that the HCG was high.  Out of all the tests, the results should be 1.00 but her's was 2.58.  She explained that it could rule out DS (Down Syndrome) but its only 2% change.  98% its nothing.

We got the scan done again, doc told us that everything he see's in normal.  He took out the fluid and we'll get the results in few business days.

I am really scared as neither of our family has any history of any disorder or DS in our families.  Why the HCG was high I dont know.  I guess the test will determine it.  My wife was really sad and we talked about the possibilities it could bring.  We had to be head strong before going in for this.

I am wondering if anyone out there had a similar issue.

Best,
DaddytoBe

[JoyRenee]

Well at 17 weeks pregnant her HCG should be high. It typically double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy and then slows down in later pregnancy. Maybe this chart will help (please remember it is a guideline and are estimates):

hCG levels in weeks from LMP (gestational age)* :

    * 3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
    * 4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
    * 5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml
    * 6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
    * 7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7,650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
    * 9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
    * 13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
    * 17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
    * 25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml

Please keep us informed on the results from the amnio!!!

[martikadragoon]

Congrats first off!  I'm sure your baby will be perfectly healthy!

my normal chances are 1:100 now, and I'm 22 years old. My first son, born when I was 21, has down syndrome. I wasn't at risk of it and it doesn't run in either hubby or my families.
It's great that the ultrasound (scan) looks normal. They would be able to see soft markers most likely if your baby has down syndrome.

But I want to make it clear, having a baby with down syndrome is NOT the end of the world, and it is not the worst thing that could happen. My son did have health problems after he was born but FINALLY he is healthy at 13 months old. We are expecting our second son dec 25th and he is "typical". :)

If you have any questions feel free to send me a message.

[KATE535]

I was in the same situation as you a few months ago. Had bloods taken, and got the scare like you that I was a High Risk for Down's based on my Hormone levels being high. It's hard not to think of the worst when you get news like that, but you have to be positive, it's still unlikely your baby will have Down's. So two excruciating weeks went by for us and then we had the amnio, then another few days passed and we got the phone call we longed for - that the results were normal. So I want to stress they are just readings, and you cannot go by these readings as a diagnosis of down's. It is only the amnio itself that will have the true result. I know how hard it is but you will have to wait for the amnio results as there is little you can take from the readings, but that is a positive thing as they are most often wrong. Good luck!

[babydaddysf]

@ JoyRenee - thanks for the chart.  I found a similar chart online as well.  Yes these are just numbers and each woman is different.

@martikadragoon - thanks for your encouraging words.  I am happy that your baby is doing great!  There is nothing wrong with a baby who has DS.  Our love will not be any less.  Congrats on your second one.

@KATE535 - Thank you.  We will be getting that call on Friday, 1 more day.  It is very nerve wrecking.  I am try and make my wife laugh so she isn't worrying or stressing either which is not good for her or the baby.  At the ultrasound, the baby was jumping and moving and the tech was like she hasn't seen an active baby like this one.  It was so fun to see what they do in the womb.  So exciting.  

Again thank you everyone for your comments and I will update you all on Friday.

Wishing all of you a great pregnancy and healthy babies...