Thrombocytopenia is a deficiency of platelets in your blood stream. It is a blood platelet count below 150,000/ìL and it is the second most common blood disorder in pregnancy after anaemia. The normal range should be 150,000 - 400,000.
Thrombocytopenia is a deficiency of platelets in your blood stream. It is a blood platelet count below 150,000/ìL and it is the second most common blood disorder in pregnancy after anaemia. The normal range should be 150,000 - 400,000.
Research to determine the reason why our platelet count drops in pregnancy is still ongoing and there is no test to determine what is causing low platelets. However, the most common reasons for low platelets during pregnancy are immune thrombocytopenia, gestational thrombocytopenia and preeclampsia.
Immune thrombocytopenia is caused by autoimmune diseases and causes the body's immune system to mistakenly attack and destroys platelets.
Gestational thrombocytopenia is typically asymptomatic and usually occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy. The platelet count spontaneously returns to normal levels within a few weeks of delivering your baby.
Most maternity hospitals recommend women have a blood test at your booking appointment. Here they will do a full blood count, a platelet count is a standard test during a full blood count.
What are platelets?
Platelets are plate-shaped cells that circulate in your body that help your blood to clot when it needs to. They are colourless blood cells that act to stop bleeding by clumping together and form little plugs in blood vessel injuries.
Platelets are plate-shaped cells that circulate in your body that help your blood to clot when it needs to. They are colourless blood cells that act to stop bleeding by clumping together and form little plugs in blood vessel injuries.
Symptoms of thrombocytopenia include:
- Easy and/or excessive bruising
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Blood in urine or stools
- Heavy menstrual flows
- Fatigue
- Enlarged spleen
How is thrombocytopenia treated in pregnancy?
In most cases, women with mild thrombocytopenia do not need treatment and it will go away a few week post delivery. However, if there is an underlying cause addressing that may clear up the thrombocytopenia.
In most cases, women with mild thrombocytopenia do not need treatment and it will go away a few week post delivery. However, if there is an underlying cause addressing that may clear up the thrombocytopenia.
Although if your platelet level becomes very low, your doctor may give you a transfusion of platelets. And if your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor will most likely prescribe medication to help boost your platelet count.
Can I give my baby thrombocytopenia?
In some cases, thrombocytopenia can be inherited. If your platelets are low throughout your pregnancy it is likely your baby will be given their Vitamin K orally and he/she will have a blood test within a couple of hour of being born to determine the level of their platelets. Some paediatricians may also avoid the heel prick if mothers platelets are extremely low, instead, they use the wound from the blood test.
In some cases, thrombocytopenia can be inherited. If your platelets are low throughout your pregnancy it is likely your baby will be given their Vitamin K orally and he/she will have a blood test within a couple of hour of being born to determine the level of their platelets. Some paediatricians may also avoid the heel prick if mothers platelets are extremely low, instead, they use the wound from the blood test.
Anything else I need to know?
Some maternity hospitals have different recommendations but in The Coombe, if your platelet count drops below 80,000 per microlitre of blood during pregnancy you cannot have an epidural.
Some maternity hospitals have different recommendations but in The Coombe, if your platelet count drops below 80,000 per microlitre of blood during pregnancy you cannot have an epidural.
If you need a caesarian section for whatever reason you will have a c-section under anaesthesia to lower any risks.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.