low platelet count...

ChristinaL27

I was wondering if anybody experienced low platelet count during the pregnancy? My doctor didn't seem so concerned but said they will be monitoring it. Ten days ago my platelets were 154k and today they were down to 120k. I had a trip to labor and delivery because of high blood pressure so they did blood work while I was there. Anybody else?? And if so what did your doctor have to say about it?

DeliveryNurse27609

There are a couple of causes of low platelets that pregnant woman are monitored for ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia) where the platelets drop and have no known cause. And HELLP (Hemolysys Elevated Liver enzymes Low Platelets). These conditions will be monitored closely and depending on what stage of pregnancy you are in doctors may move towards delivery. Signs and symptoms to report to your doctor include: headache, visual changes, ringing in ears, right upper quadrant pain, increased swelling, nausea and vomiting. Just an FYI. Some hospitals will not give an epidural if platelets drop below 80-100 because of the increased risk of bleeding into the spine with removal of the epidural, which can result in permanent nerve damage. Just remember there is nothing you are doing to cause this not is there anything you can do to prevent this. Your provider will be watching you closely so don't worry just get ready for baby. 

ChristinaL27

Thank you so much! My doctor explained it like you did- but I was so exhausted I couldn't remember it all. I remember her giving me a list of those symptoms and tell me to call ASAP if anything developed. I go back in Tuesday for a follow up.

KdgTeacher10

I had this while I was pregnant and had to be closley monitored. I had what is called gestational thrombocytopenia. My blood counts were around 80 when we did the initial bloodwork. Eventually it went back to 100. Once it got to 100 my doctor wanted to induce me. (I ended up going into labor the night before but I progressed so quick that I couldn't get my bloodwork back in time for an epi anyway). From what my OBGYN stated under 100 they would not do an epi and if I had to have an C-section I was going to have to go under general anesthesia. Your counts can go up and down.  GL!!!

nothingbuthappy

I started with gestational thrombocytopenia (low platelets during pregnancy) with my first and wound up with HELLP.  My final draw showed my platelets at 75k and I had a section under general -- I totally missed out on the birth of my daughter.  Only the medical personnel were permitted in the room and it was hours before I got to see her face.  

My platelets have started to drop again this pregnancy so, again, gestational thrombocytopenia.  I'm having my blood work drawn weekly and have to report any signs/symptoms.  On the verge of calling tonight because of significant right upper quadrant pain I've been having off/on today, increased lower extremity swelling (ankles/feet/toes and I feel like my calves are swollen too but I'm not sure if they just appear that way because of all of the pedal edema).   I also went to CVS to use their BP monitor and found that my pressure went from 100/60 to 120/90....the 120 not being of concern but the diastolic (90) getting into the range where they want to know about it.  

Keep an eye on things and if anything doesn't feel "right" to you, call.  Be proactive.   

january78

I had severe HELLP Syndrome with my daughter and my platelets dropped below 30 thousand.  I was unable to get an epidural, but I still had a vaginal delivery and no transfusions.  This condition can be very serious, even potentially fatal.  It's so important that you listen to your body and insist that the doctors follow you closely.

MotherMonster

ITP is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. I had that when I was 2, but that was back when they thought it lead to lukemia. It sucks, I'm not going to lie. It causes abnormal bruising, so when I laid on a bed, my whole side  that touched the bed was bruised. They treated me with prednisone.

I know treatment depends on the doctor and the levels, but I think your doctor is being pretty proactive about it by letting you know what to look for and such

KdgTeacher10

nothingbuthappy:

I started with gestational thrombocytopenia (low platelets during pregnancy) with my first and wound up with HELLP.  My final draw showed my platelets at 75k and I had a section under general -- I totally missed out on the birth of my daughter.  Only the medical personnel were permitted in the room and it was hours before I got to see her face.  

My platelets have started to drop again this pregnancy so, again, gestational thrombocytopenia.  I'm having my blood work drawn weekly and have to report any signs/symptoms.  On the verge of calling tonight because of significant right upper quadrant pain I've been having off/on today, increased lower extremity swelling (ankles/feet/toes and I feel like my calves are swollen too but I'm not sure if they just appear that way because of all of the pedal edema).   I also went to CVS to use their BP monitor and found that my pressure went from 100/60 to 120/90....the 120 not being of concern but the diastolic (90) getting into the range where they want to know about it.  

Keep an eye on things and if anything doesn't feel "right" to you, call.  Be proactive.   

So you got it again onto it next pregnancy? I was going to ask my obgyb what the chances of me having it again. I too dealt with crazy lower swelling. I thought it was just because I was on my feet a lot. Well, good luck to all you ladies your pregnancies.