Low platelets - worried I’ll be refused a c-section

[user1491904912]

Currently 30 weeks with 2nd pregnancy. Just received test results this week which show I have low platelets of 77. Have an appointment to discuss what this all means next week, but in the mean time was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience?

With DC1 I was induced & had a terrible labour ending in EMCS. This time round I’ve opted for ELCS but I’m now worried I won’t be allowed one due to these low platelets, and the risks of epidural/spinal. As it’s my choice to have an ELCS, not clinical necessity, I’m worried they might try to push me towards VB instead.

If my platelets are below the cut off point when I come to give birth, what are the options for me? I don’t much fancy a VB with no epidural either. Last time other forms of pain relief were useless.

75 is normally the cut off for spinals or epidurals. They often dip and come back up in preg. Can have a GA section if needed, this will be discussed by the anaesthetist. Some units offer remifentanil patient controlled analgesia for those who can't have an epidural and is better than the drugs the midwives offer

Google labour pains website that will explain in detail

I was told if my count was too low then it would still be CS but under General rather than local because if there was a risk of uncontrolled bleeding it would be better for me to already be asleep so they could do whatever they needed to do rather than spending valuable time putting me out from a local.

Mine was an elected CS but at their advice due to breech position and my age. Luckily on the morning my count was 4 above the lower limit so they let me stay awake. 😊

I currently have low platelets and being investigated mine at 52 and I’m only 14 weeks pregnant. I’ve already been told likely no epidural and if need a section will probably need to be asleep. They are hoping to find the route cause (mine started pre pregnant) and get me on medication to sort but they have assured me no harm to baby xx

Mine went down into the teens.
I was told I could have a CS but under general if I wanted one or VB with no pain relief. I chose VB due to the bigger risk of bleeding from the CS.