Low Platelets

[Wiggle4]

Hi, I'm 13 weeks in my first pregnancy and my first booking appointment blood tests came back with slightly lower platelet count than they would like. Has anybody else had this? Just wondering how it affected your pregnancy/labour.

Hiya, did they say what the result was? I was sort of teetering on the edge (ironic really as I actually have a clotting disorder) - ended up seeing my consultant (who I had seen previously about the clotting disorder), and he said because I was still very close to the threshold it was more likely due to dilution (due to increased blood volume) and nothing to worry about. I think it's only if you start dropping below 50-80 there is cause for concern and it can have implications for procedures like epidural because of the risk of bleeding into the spine and the potential for paralysis (or, if like me, you want a home birth). They will probably suggest you have a managed third stage during labour (they give you the jab to get the placenta out quicker to reduce likelihood of postpartum haemorrhage).

Essentially, you'll probably have an appointment to discuss your results with a consultant up at antenatal and they will keep an eye on your platelet levels throughout your pregnancy. I would just make sure you write down any questions you have and discuss them with the consultant, but don't forget you can always call your midwife if you have concerns.

Try not to worry too much - bottom line is you will be looked after. You aren't the first woman to go through this, and you won't be the last - they are well versed in dealing with these issues, so take reassurance from that 😊 Xx

Thanks KikiA, that's reassuring! Mine was only slightly low, 131 where 150 is normal so hopefully won't be too much of a concern! I have a consultant appointment next week about it. Xx

I did. Started off around 120 ish and dropped to around 60 by the end. It wasn't a problem.

I had lots of additional blood tests to keep track of it, and a few consultant appointments, just to check there wasn't an underlying problem. There wasn't any, and apparently it just happens to some people. Thrombocytopenia it's called.

The only difference it made to me was that I was consultant lead, they wouldn't give an epidural if it dropped below 70, and there was to be no forceps or ventouse. This was because they didn't know whether it would pass to dd (it didn't).

So although I had extra care, there was nothing to be worried about. It happened again in my second pregnancy too.

Hope that helps a bit.

Thanks ZacharySwan, sounds like we started off at a similar level so it's reassuring that yours was all ok :-) xx