Low Pregnancy Associated Plasma

Protein-A (PAPP-A)
You have been found to have a low Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A
(PAPP-A) result on your recent antenatal screening blood test. This does not affect
the results of the screening tests that you will have already received.

What is PAPP-A

PAPP-A is a protein that is made by the placenta. It is measured as part of the

combined screening blood test.

What does low PAPP-A mean?

Most babies born to women with a low PAPP-A will have a normal weight at birth
and be born at the expected time. Low Papp-A isn’t uncommon even though you
may not have heard of it before.

However, low levels of PAPP-A may be associated with an increased chance of

pregnancy complications including a smaller than expected (growth restricted) or
earlier than expected (preterm) baby. There is also a slightly higher chance of
developing pre-eclampsia.

Therefore, we would like to offer you extra growth scans to monitor the growth of
your baby more closely. Each scan will be followed by an antenatal clinic
appointment with an obstetrician so that we can review and discuss the results of
the scan with you.

Please find enclosed appointments for these scans at 28, 32, 36 and 39 weeks of
your pregnancy.

Source: Women & Children’s Health – Maternity Services

Reference No: 6612-1
Issue date: 7/4/20
Review date: 7/4/23
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In line with national guidelines, we would also recommend that you take low dose
aspirin on a daily basis if you are not already doing so. The recommended dosage
is 150mgs to be taken every evening throughout your pregnancy. This can be
obtained from any local pharmacy.

In addition to these extra appointments it is important that you keep all your routine
community midwife appointments, so that the health and wellbeing of you and your
baby can be monitored throughout the pregnancy.

What can I do to help my baby grow well?

As smoking can affect the placenta and the growth of the baby we recommend all
pregnant women stop smoking. You can speak to your midwife for referral to “One
Life Suffolk” or “Smoke Free Norfolk”, depending on your address; they will provide
you with help and support, including the offer of nicotine replacement therapies.

Monitoring your baby’s movements is a good way to check on your baby’s wellbeing.
If your baby’s movements concern you, slow down or stop you must contact the
maternity unit immediately.

Contact details

If you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to contact the Antenatal
and New-born Screening Co-ordinator midwives:

Sue Augusta 01284 712567

Sarah Bennett-Day 01284 712567

Antenatal Clinic midwives on: 01284 713286

e-mail: wsftantenatal.screening@nhs.net

If you would like any information regarding access to the West Suffolk Hospital and
its facilities please visit the website for AccessAble (the new name for DisabledGo)
https://www.accessable.co.uk/organisations/west-suffolk-nhs-foundation-trust

© West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

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