IVF PGT pregnancy - high HCG at screening (low risk)

[GB844]

Hi everyone.

I am currently 15 weeks pregnant with my first baby. It is an IVF pregnancy and it’s a PGT normal embryo that we transferred. Despite having a normal embryo we opted for combined screening. My results have come back low risk for my age - 1:260 and I’m aged 40. My NT was 1.9mm (mom = 1) my PappA was 1.54MOM but my HCG was high at 3MOM.

The screening nurses have said it’s likely raised due to IVF treatment and progesterone supplementation, but I can’t help but panic a bit. NIPT seems a bit extreme when I’ve had a normal PGT embryo and a low risk combined result, but wondering if anyone has any experience?

Feel free to tell me if you think I’m being neurotic….pregnancy and IVF have definitely made me more anxious.

Any advice, stories welcome! Xx

[Peony85]

I didn’t have the combined test, instead I just went straight to NIPT - but didn’t want to read and run. With the combined test, I think the reason they combine all the measures into an algorithm is that each measure on its own is not completely predictive (false positives and negatives) but considered all together the results are more indicative. Even so I’ve seen a lot of ladies get a high risk result largely due to age. If your overall result is low, that is a good indicator even if one part of it is a bit high.

For peace of mind you could do NIPT - but I think between PGT and the low risk, this is a good result. I know it’s really nerve wracking though and wish you all the best.

[Kate-92]

we didn’t have any PGT testing & at the combined screening my results were low risk (1:190 downs & 1:1100 edwards & patau - NT 1.5mm) but for me they were closer to higher than lower (I am 38) I also discovered that I have low Papp-a but they didn’t give me the numbers - off the back of this I opted to have a private NIPT for peace of mind, while it was expensive (£350) it was worth every penny ! The NHS screening is not as accurate as an NIPT which is why I opted to get one, if you have any worries I would just get the test for your own sanity (though I am sure from what you have said all is well) x

[JA-fnuk Partner]

Only natural to be anxious about your results -for added support take a look at our website fertilitynetworkuk.org Access Support then click Fertility Groups and scroll to UK-Wide Groups to find "Pregnancy & Beyond Groups" and follow prompts to register Next meeting Wed 26th June 8pm via Zoom

Take care

Janet-Partner

[CreateIVF]

Hi there, I had combined screening and came back 1:145 for downs mainly due to sky high HCG (was +5) and was an IVF pregnancy too. (Edward’s etc came back low risk. I did the NIPT and all came back low risk. It was a pretty scary couple of days but I was glad to do the follow-up test and get that confirmation. I’m 22 weeks now.

From what you have shared I think you are absolutely fine but for your own piece of mind the NIPT can help. Xx

Oh and I’m 36 by the way x

[GB844]

Thank you all for your replies and reassurance. I knew I wouldn’t settle so paid for a private NIPT which has come back low risk across the board, so that’s a massive relief.

I can relax a bit now and try and enjoy this pregnancy!

Thanks again for the handholds! Xx