Low platelet count?

irisheyes317

For the ST+ moms, has anyone else dealt with low platelet counts in previous pregnancies?  My midwife caught mine in some routine bloodwork, and I was referred to a hematologist.  My midwife said that low platelets can spontaneously happen in the third trimester in about 10% of pregnancies.  From my appointment with the hematologist, I found that my low count actually wasn't caused by the pregnancy but that I have a pre-existing autoimmune condition called ITP.  From my discussions with the midwife and the hematologist, it sounds like it's not something to worry about at this point, but they'll be monitoring my platelet levels closely throughout the rest of the pregnancy.  If my levels get below a certain level around delivery, I won't be able to have an epidural even if I wanted one, and if they go dangerously low, I might get put on Prednisone or have a platelet transfusion.  They'll also have to do some extra monitoring of the baby after it is born.  

Anyone else dealt with low platelets before, either caused by the pregnancy or pre-existing?  Any tips or stories?  I have another appointment with my midwife next week and I'm trying to make sure I'm asking the right questions and thinking through the right issues. 

golfingdarwinfish

I do not have any experience with ITP (familiar with professionally though) but I would suggest perhaps inquiring with your midwife about consulting a MFM.

irisheyes317

Thanks @VCGolfNYC !  I'm also still making my way through the UO thread, but I saw your post -- I wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss.  I can't imagine how hard that must have been.  ((hugs))

Aarg

@irisheyes317‌ My dad actually suffers from ITP.
If it's common in the third tri- how is your midwife sure it was pre-existing?

Depending on the severity of the ITP will depend on if you need meds to regulate your platelets or not. He is on a lot of meds but his is pretty severe.

You can go without meds though. Platelets are what help your blood to clot. So if anything you'll be more prone to nose bleeds, bruising easily and cuts bleeding longer. . If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me!

jess545

I had low platelets with my 2nd pregnancy but the last 2 weeks they started rising so it was never an issue. I think I found out at 28 weeks and then had to have blood drawn every week until then. Try not too worry hopefully they will not drop too low or will start to rise again.

TheOtherJacobsons

I also have low platelets. So far they are not concerned, but they are going to monitor. I assume I'll discuss it more at my appointment next week.

irisheyes317

Aarg said:

@irisheyes317‌ My dad actually suffers from ITP.
If it's common in the third tri- how is your midwife sure it was pre-existing?

Depending on the severity of the ITP will depend on if you need meds to regulate your platelets or not. He is on a lot of meds but his is pretty severe.

You can go without meds though. Platelets are what help your blood to clot. So if anything you'll be more prone to nose bleeds, bruising easily and cuts bleeding longer. . If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me!

Thanks! The midwife referred me to the hematologist and the hematologist says it is pre-existing because of prior bloodwork results (pre-pregnancy) and other symptoms such as bleeding and bruising, along with the fact that the midwife practice saw it in the first tri rather than the third. It's not severe enough now to warrant meds, but they'll be watching it closely. Interesting your dad has it too! I'm glad he's been able to manage it okay with meds.

irisheyes317

theresat858 said:

But for my mom, they had, and she had an entirely unplanned unmedicated birth with me.  It's one of the reasons I encourage every pregnant woman to practice some natural birthing pain management techniques (even if you want the epi in the hospital parking lot), because you don't know what might happen.

That's really good advice. I'm going to plan on having a pain med-free birth from this point, just so I'm prepared if the epidural turns out not to be an option.