Anyone with gestational ITP/low platelets?

CozyCoupe08

I have been diagnosed with ITP, which has only appeared during this pregnancy, not my first pregnancy nor while not pregnant. I am 33 weeks and my platelets dropped to 42,000. They should be 150 to be normal, but closer to 100 for my repeat c-section in order to avoid general anesthesia.

I am on prednizone as an effort to boost my levels. Has anyone had experience with this? I am creating a list of questions for my hematologist and OB. Any suggestions for the list would be helpful. I want more information, but I don't know what to ask. I am overwhelmed.

FutureMrsDenman

You might try looking in on the forums on www.pdsa.org if you haven't been there before.  There used to be a very active and supportive community of women who had gestational ITP on there as part of the boards (they had boards for all types of ITP).  I used to frequest the other boards when my Dad and my Aunt had ITP, but it has been 10 years since I was active there.

CozyCoupe08

Thank you! I just discovered their board today, and I am looking for gestational ITP experiences. I finally feel like I have found some information. Thank you! :-)

nursemama2be

**lurking**

we give women with gestational ITP a drug called IVIG. It works really well and allows your body to not destroy it's own platelets. Good luck

CozyCoupe08

Thanks! I am curious about IVIG, because it looks like I may need to do it. How long are patients usually hospitalized for the treatment? Do you often see these patients induced early? Any thing I should ask my doctor? Any information is appreciated, thank you so much!

growingabump

I delivered my 1st in Dec 2008 after a textbook pregnancy. With my 2nd (delivered May 2011)I was diagnosed with ITP...

First and foremost let me tell you that www.pdsa.org was a true life saver for me. They have a forum for pregnant women and it was busy so I felt supported and informed. Go there. My posts are still current as it was not long ago I delivered.

Once I was diagnosed in February, I was on heavy doses of Prednisone and had weekly IVIg infusions (this is given through IV and in my case was administered at my home 2 time a week for 4 hours a session). Both of these drugs are safe for baby.

Even with the treatments my platelet levels fluctuated from 3,000 to 149,000. I was shooting for 100,000 for delivery (I was planning a scheduled c-section at 39 weeks at my request with tubal ligation). 

My water broke at 38 weeks and my platelets were 52,000. My son was born via c-section and is HEALTHY and PERFECT. A whopping 10lbs ( I blame the prednisone for that).  I had to deliver under general anesthesia due to the low platelets.

I had assumed that post delivery, the issue would resolve but I am still low (19,000 as of last wednesday and my son is 5 weeks old today) and have had to continue with the IVIg  2 times a week. I have been told gestational ITP can linger for several months after delivery due to hormones and longer if breastfeeding (which I am). I am just so thankful my boy is here and healthy.

Happy to answer any questions you have. And good luck!