Low platelets anyone?

Minas0916

my doctor is concerned about my low platelet count and wants me to see a high risk doctor next week. It's my first pregnancy and I'm very nervous. Anyone have experience with this problem?

ashin121

Sending you t&p.

How low is low? Did they compare it with one before and they saw a drop? Normal is 150-450 million /ml. Usually when it's low like <50 you're at higher risk of bleeds because platelets allow you to clot. So like while giving birth or even when considering epidural they have to be careful.

My sister had low platelet (<50) at the end of her pregnancy (37 weeks) but it was also marked with elevated liver enzymes and they discovered she had HELLP which is a really rare and serious form of pre-eclampsia. She didn't have high blood pressure or headaches though which is odd. They didn't want her to do c-section nor did they give her an epidural.

I don't think you have HELLP since it's so early in the pregnancy. Don't worry for now until you see the doctor and they do further work up. Did your obgyn give you instructions like bed rest or to be careful?

MarleneG88

My sil also has it and they are just monitoring her very closely. She had the same with her first baby and couldn't have a csection. She did have an epidural, but not sure how low her platelets were.

mcrane8

Hi!

I have ITP which is an autoimmune blood disorder that causes your immune system to basically kill off healthy platelets.  I'm already classified as a high risk pregnancy because of it.  I know the big numbers are 50,000 and 100,000.  If you're under 100,000, most hospitals will not give you an epidural, if you're under 50,000, they may intervene (blood platelet transfusion or steroids).  This could be different as I have a disorder, and yours is pregnancy induced (if I'm reading correctly).  It's a real thing though!  I was surprised my OB didn't know what ITP was, at 8% of pregnancies will give you temporary ITP.  

There's no risk for the baby according to my hematologist.  It may be born with low platelets, but a simple transfusion and they'll be back to normal.  

I'll certainly post updates if I get more info, if this would be helpful to you and others!  I see my HT once a month.

twolter

I had it with my DS and have it again. With my first I don't know exactly how low they went (I want to say under 50) but was prepared for a all natural birth. I labored naturally for 36+ hours but ended up with a c/s and luckily was able to be awake. I'm currently 9weeks and at my 6 week blood draw it was at 141 and I'm hoping for a slow fall So far they haven't referred me to a specialist but I trust they will if I need it. My doctor mentioned it's common and they test you A LOT especially near the end.

blessed2bemommy

I have itp (just like a previous poster mentioned) and was just monitored closely with my ds. I saw a high risk Dr and will be seeing the same one again for this pregnancy. Its nerve wracking, but I'm sure it will be fine. They will keep a close eye on it and if they drop too much there are things that c an be done to help bring them back up. Try not to stress about it, it's common from what I've heard for them to drop some during pregnancy.
I was very fortunate with my ds that they dropped in the beginning (not really low around 75) but they gradually went up and stayed up (and even kept rising after giving birth). I was nervous to see that they have already started dropping some with this pregnancy but just ha e to watch them closely the plus to us seeing a high risk Dr is he likes monitoring the baby with ultrasounds so we got to see a lot more often