PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for November, 1998: Re: HCG Level of 2.42?

Re: HCG Level of 2.42?

From: Thomas (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 12 Nov 1998 19:17:25 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Deanna: "HCG Level of 2.42?"

Deanne

You had an HCG test done as part of a screening process for Down's syndrome. In these circumstances the measurements are not reported as values but something called MoMs which is a statistical method of giving a result as a comparison with the average for a particular gestation. A MoM of 2.42 means that your value was 2.42 times higher than the average for a woman of the same gestation. That might sound like alot but levels are very variable and well over 10% of women will have even higher levels.

The test you had done is a statistical test that calculates a risk of you having a baby with Down's syndrome. Results depend on your age, other tests done at the same time, whether you are diabetic, whether you have had bleeding in early pregnancy, whether you have had a previous baby with Downs, and the type of HCG which was measured. (There are a number of different types of HCG called free beta, free alpha, total, intact, nicked and beta core). Normally either free beta or total are measured. A normal test doesn't exclude the possibility of you having a Down's baby but gives you additional information as to your personal risk so you can decide if you want an amniocentesis.

It is true that women with very high MoMs are more likely to have growth restricted babies, high blood pressure and premature labours. However, still the vast majority do not. Furthermore, I would not consider a MoM of 2.4 as very high and most of the research performed on this has been on women with MoMs of over 3 or 4.

If your OBGYN has labelling you as high risk, go along with it. All it will mean is that you get seen more and have more scans. This may help you with the anxiety that this result has caused you.

--
Dr Thomas Ind MB BS MD MRCOG
St George Hospital
Kogarah
Sydney
NSW 2217
AUSTRALIA

Next message: Joyce: "thyroid disease and pregnancy"
Previous message: Thomas: "Re: 19wks/discharge"
In reply to: Deanna: "HCG Level of 2.42?"

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