Low platelets, no epidural?

[LJHH]

I'm 36 weeks today, platelets are low so am being tested every 2 weeks.

After talking to the midwife/googling (aarrgghh I know I should stay off google!) it would appear that most hospitals don't offer epidurals if your count is too low (I didn't one anyway tbh but that's another story...) but I worry if I needed a c section, I would have to be put under GA and wouldn't have a choice.
Now this scares me from a bonding point of view, ie, I'll be recovering/coming round whilst my baby has first feed, cuddles etc and I miss out on the first few hours of his life.

Does anyone have any experience with low platelets/epidurals/c sections that they could share?

(I'm probably worrying for no reason at all, the closer I get to due date the more I'm thinking about it all! )

[squizita]

They would probably give you a spinal for a c-section instead as GA makes it more complex for them too? Although it would take longer to be able to walk, you would be awake with a spinal?
This is what I was told about a different blood issue where they don't always give epidurals.

[sallysparrow157]

Do you know what your platelet count is? Above 100 they would generally be happy to do a spinal for a section

[LJHH]

Last time it was 130, they took more bloods today and will get results back next week, they aren't badly badly low and fingers crossed they stay at that or above.
I'm probably worrying for absolutely NO reason at all!

[SellyMevs]

I have a bleeding disorder which means I can't have an epidural and will need GA if I have a c section. My platelet count is always normal but they don't clot properly which leaves me with an increased risk of haemorrhage.

Nobody so far has been able to alleviate my fears of being put to sleep and missing my baby's birth, I've asked so many times for someone to explain what will happen and how it will affect bonding but everyone skips over it saying it'll be fine.

With an induction booked for 9 days time, I can only hope it goes smoothly and a section isn't needed. I don't even know who I can even talk to about this any more so all I've done is specify in my birth plan that nobody visits my baby before me, except for my husband. I don't want family turning up unannounced and being let it whilst I'm still in recovery. As far as I'm aware they do bring you round as quickly as possible and try and limit the time baby is away from you but it's not really any consolation when you are faced with that prospect!

Fingers crossed your platelets improve, I'm not much help I know but I can sympathise.

[LJHH]

@sally
Oh fingers crossed everything goes ok for you, it's annoying when midwives, dr's etc don't really explain things and then you're left with unanswered questions, especially over something as major as having a baby and blood clotting problems etc

I didn't think about specifying that in my birth plan, maybe all add that in.
I'll be heartbroken if I'm in recovery for ages and a stream of family get to "meet" my baby before me. I know that sounds stupid and almost selfish, obviously excluding my DP, I would want him to be with baby 200,000% but I want to bond with my baby before the madness that is our families impose themselves on us!

[sallysparrow157]

Everywhere I've worked when ladies have a section they, their birth partner and the baby are in recovery together, so your baby definitely won't meet everyone and his dog before you, regardless of what happens!

[Me23]

Try not to worry your levels are only just under normal our range starts at 135 where I work and epidurals can be given if platelets 100 or more. I'm suprised they are retested every 2 weeks for that level unless they have been much lower than that before.

[LJHH]

@sallysparrow - oh that makes me feel better! Thank you :) I hope my hospital had the same rules!

@me23 - I didn't think they were desperately low, but midwife adamant that I need to have a check every 2 weeks from now on. Desperately hoping they haven't dropped as they won't let me have baby on midwife led ward (am after water birth) and will have to go to the main delivery ward which I'm trying to avoid if possible.
Fingers crossed they haven't gone down but what will be will be I guess

Thanks ladies :)

[pestleandmortar]

I'm 38 weeks with a platelet count of 110. I've been told by an anaesthetist they will perform an epidural with a count as low as 80. I'm also being closely monitored with blood tests, I'm hoping it won't dip too low as the consultant wants to induce me, which I'm not keen on at all...

[pommedeterre]

selly - I am the same as you in terms of blood disorder, epidural etc. Has also been my worry but both two previous times it has not happened. Fingers crossed for this time.

In the past I've pushed for sign off for a spinal in case of a c section. I have been reassured it would be first option if at all possible re medication times and doses and ga the very last option.

[LJHH]

My levels have gone up, hooooray now at 151 so should be safe to go into midwife led unit and not need to be knocked out if I need an csection