Low platelet count - anyone know what this means?

[Jodiesmum]

My GP has referred me to a haematologist because I've got a low blood platelet count. This hasn't caused me any problems that I know of but it came up in blood test for something else a few months back. I've just been tested again and the count is the same. Apparently it's not drastically low - basically just off the bottom end of normal - but it used to be much higher before I had dd. I'm now pregnant with No. 2 (12 wks) which GP thinks makes the low platelet thing more of an issue? Does anyone have any experience of this problem or know anything about it? I'd never even heard of platelets before now so don't know if I should be worried.

Hi Jodies mum - Idont know much about it but if you go to www.yahoo.com and look at #6 "Low platelet count and what does it mean"? It will explain a lot. It even refers to someone who is pregnant.

Hi I've had a low platelet count investigated during pregnancy and they eventually came to the conclusion it was just low at the very lowest range of normal for no reason. So dont worry unduly, its worth investigating but probably nothing ( my dad is also low, ask your parents!)

I have this and had it checked regularly with both my pgs. It just means you don't clot as fast and if it's very low they may get concerned re: your ability to clot after labour. I wouldn't worry about it, many people have a low lpatelet count and never know, and it's never a problem. But during pgs they just keep an eye on it, there is medication you can have to help with clotting if it became necessary. HTH.

I had low platelets in both pregnancies. Low enough to be seen regularly by the consultant- but unless it gets really low (they said below 50) they don't worry. I think they just like to be aware of it before labour. I had sections both times and lost very little blood- it made no difference to to the clotting (and I was below 100 which is apparently pretty low).

Thanks so much everybody, that's really reassuring and exactly the type of answer I was hoping for - ie no treatment likley to be needed (I was dreading some awful dilemma about taking drugs that might harm the baby or something). I've got my appointment with the haematologist booked now for the end of Dec but am not too worried after all you've said.