“Bad bloods in pregnancy”
Hi, I have been diagnosed with pregnancy anemia and my platelets count has been fluctuating between 70000-99000 over the past 3 weeks. Currently at 85000 with a platelet distribution width of 24.9%. Is this a cause for concern?
Female | 27 years old
3 Answers
Yes, if it drops much lower, you are at risk for hemorrhage. The question is why is it so low.
Hi,
Most likely you do not have to worry at all. Platelets are necessary for clot formation that stops the bleeding and the normal count is between 150.000-450.000. This number doesn't change too much over time. It is quite possible that you have already had low platelet counts prior to pregnancy and your current values just represent a further decline because the normal, pregnancy associated anaemia. As long as you or your family members never had any bleeding problem or prolonged clot formation after minor injuries, the condition is most likely rectifies itself after your baby is born. Your number right now qualifies only for mild thrombocytopenia because you are pregnant. Should the number of platelets further decline, you should consult a hematologist. He/she then will run further tests on you, including a peripheral blood smear and maybe a bone marrow biopsy. The hematologist will also check your blood for the presence of certain particles called autoantibodies that can destroy your own platelets. On rare occasions, low platelet count is associated with severe multi-organ disease that needs to be addressed by a team of experts.
As I said before, you most likely have a mild case of gestational hypothrombocytaemia, and will be fine during and after pregnancy.
Dr. Toth
Most likely you do not have to worry at all. Platelets are necessary for clot formation that stops the bleeding and the normal count is between 150.000-450.000. This number doesn't change too much over time. It is quite possible that you have already had low platelet counts prior to pregnancy and your current values just represent a further decline because the normal, pregnancy associated anaemia. As long as you or your family members never had any bleeding problem or prolonged clot formation after minor injuries, the condition is most likely rectifies itself after your baby is born. Your number right now qualifies only for mild thrombocytopenia because you are pregnant. Should the number of platelets further decline, you should consult a hematologist. He/she then will run further tests on you, including a peripheral blood smear and maybe a bone marrow biopsy. The hematologist will also check your blood for the presence of certain particles called autoantibodies that can destroy your own platelets. On rare occasions, low platelet count is associated with severe multi-organ disease that needs to be addressed by a team of experts.
As I said before, you most likely have a mild case of gestational hypothrombocytaemia, and will be fine during and after pregnancy.
Dr. Toth
Hello,
Thank you for your question. There are many causes for low platelet in pregnancy. The most common reason is gestational thrombocytopenia related to pregnancy that is benign. But of course there are other causes that needs more close strict monitoring and follow up. This condition is complex. I would make sure you have close following up with your obstetrician and follow their instruction carefully. Your doctor should make sure your blood pressure is normal, your kidney function are normal, and also periodically check your labs. Usually, with gestational thrombocytopenia, the platelet level rarely platelet goes below 100,000. So, the answer to this question is that you need close monitoring to find the cause for low platelet. If that is gestational and related to pregnancy, it's benign.
Thank you for your question
Thank you for your question. There are many causes for low platelet in pregnancy. The most common reason is gestational thrombocytopenia related to pregnancy that is benign. But of course there are other causes that needs more close strict monitoring and follow up. This condition is complex. I would make sure you have close following up with your obstetrician and follow their instruction carefully. Your doctor should make sure your blood pressure is normal, your kidney function are normal, and also periodically check your labs. Usually, with gestational thrombocytopenia, the platelet level rarely platelet goes below 100,000. So, the answer to this question is that you need close monitoring to find the cause for low platelet. If that is gestational and related to pregnancy, it's benign.
Thank you for your question
