Many pregnant women develop low platelet counts during pregnancy. This is usually discovered by routine blood count testing at 26 weeks and during the third trimester.
There are two main causes: gestational thrombocytopenia and ITP.
Gestational thrombocytopenia, found during the final weeks of the pregnancy, results in low platelet counts in the 80-120 range (150 is normal). This leads to anxiety for both mom and the doctors involved because the count needs to be higher than 80 for an epidural.
ITP (immune thrombocytopenia) may cause lower platelet counts, sometimes less than 50. It’s usually identified early in the pregnancy. This also leads to anxiety for both mom and the doctors involved. Frequent blood counts may be recommended to follow the trend of the platelet counts. Steroid medications may be prescribed to raise the platelet count, so delivery is safer.
Hematologists can help guide you if you have low platelet counts during pregnancy. Heme Onc Call is a telemedicine-based hematology practice specializing in pregnancy hematology. Call for a next-day hematology telemedicine appointment, 786-567-8310, or visit hemeonccall.com.
