Low platelet count (twice)

libfish825 · February 2013

So my blood platelet count was low when it was measured with my GT test about a month ago... I think he said it was 90,000. Yesterday they did another blood draw at my OB's office and it had dropped still lower (although I wasn't thinking and didn't ask the exact number), so they are referring me to a hematologist.

Has anyone less here had this experience? I know I will get more info at the appt (my OB's office is scheduling it for me sometime before my next appt in two weeks), but some info here might help to keep me away from Dr. Google.

skoogirl · February 2013

Did you start taking an iron supplement?

libfish825 · February 2013

My OB said that my iron levels have tested fine both times, otherwise they'd have recommended an additional supplement (even though my prenatals include it). I asked the same question.

ETA: sorry, Bump totally nixed the quote there.

smiles21866 · February 2013

I've been seeing a hematologist for 3 years now.

I was originally referred to one because I had gastric bypass surgery 7 years ago and have iron-deficiency anemia. Unfortunately, I do not absorb iron orally and have to go for iron infusions.

I've been back to seeing him every 2-4 weeks since I found out I was pregnant. At my 12 and 14 week appointment my platelet count decreased drastically. After I returned for my 20 week appointment it had leveled back out. He told me that there are certain points in the pregnancy that baby is thriving and counts will drop for mom. Now that the end is nearing, my count is dropping again. He reassured me that they would go back up again when I'm getting ready to deliver. However, I am also on Lovenox--getting ready to switch to heparin and that is making my counts lower, too.

My hematologist is great and I hope yours ends up putting your mind at ease. Never be afraid to ask questions. They have helped baby and I thrive through out this pregnancy. Good luck to you and try to stay away from Dr. Google. Our bodies have a mind of their own during pregnancy!

jemmer04 · February 2013

I was diagnosed with low platelets last year on routine blood work - had absolutely no symptoms (went through tons of tests including a bone marrow biopsy) and found out that I have ITP (which is just low platelets for no real apparent reason). Once I was pregnant my levels kept dropping due to increased plasma volume... Before I was pregnant my levels were around 117 and since then they kept gradually dropping. When they got to 28,000 I had to start prednisone... I've been taking 30mg a day for about a month and they really have shot my levels up... My dr said that its very common for levels to drop during pregnancy and most likely you are just having a form of gestational ITP. The only real complication for them being low is that you may not be able to have an epidural, she said they wouldnt get too concerned unless they dropped below 10,000. Hope this helps... Feel free to ask me more

mariahrb · February 2013

i dont have the same problem but i do have a bleeding disorder. im missing the "glue" on the platelets that get the platelets to stick together. ive seen my hematologist once, early on, and will be seeing him again on the 7th. dont worry...theyre smart doctors and they know what theyre doing. youll be fine. my OB has been in good contact with my hematologist the whole pregnancy plus the hematologist is on stand-by in the event that something bad happens. but dont worry, wait for the apt, see what he/she says.

libfish825 · February 2013

Thanks for the info, everyone! These were the sort of things I was hoping to hear. I will just chill until my appt and direct all questions toward the hematologist.

skidderdo · February 2013

It can be totally normal during pregnancy, or part of a pregnancy-induced syndrome (such as HELLP syndrome)... if everything else is looking normal and you feel well, I would not worry.

as a side note, if the platelets drop too low, an epidural may not be an option! Every anesthiologist is different, but some won't place an epidural at less than 90-100 platelets due to bleeding risks.

hope your counts boost a bit and you are feeling well! t&p that it is no big deal!

skidderdo · February 2013

90-100,000 that is...

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