What Should I Do If I Have a Low Platelet Count During Pregnancy?

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Jiya and Shweta are neighbours. Both of them are in their last trimester of pregnancy. They used to spend a lot of time together. Progressively, Jiya analysed that she has more difficulty doing daily life chores than Shweta. Jiya could walk only for two rounds of the park at one stretch, while Shweta could complete four rounds. Also, Jiya had tiny red spots on her skin, while Shweta still had clear and shiny skin. On further discussion, Jiya discovered that only she has to deal with bleeding gums and nose. Then, Shweta informed her about the concept of low platelet count. She recommended that Jiya have a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test to examine her platelet count. Jiya found the number to be 90,000/ml. 

Jiya was among 7% to 12% of women who were going through Gestational Thrombocytopenia (low platelets). 

About Thrombocytopenia 

Thrombocytes= name for your platelets, and penia= decrease.

Platelets are the blood cells that prevent bleeding and aid in clotting, and a low platelet count is called Thrombocytopenia. If platelets drop below 150 × 109/L, it is called Gestational Thrombocytopenia (GT). About 70% to 80% of cases of thrombocytopenia are caused by GT. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is the second most common cause, which drops the platelet count to less than 100,000/ml.

When there are few platelets in the body, it is hard to stop bleeding quickly. Thrombocytopenia is pregnancy’s second most common haematological abnormality. A pregnant lady’s body makes extra blood plasma, which increases blood levels in the body. Then, it leads to haemodilution, which dilutes the blood. It means the platelet count remains the same, but they are spread out in large volumes of blood, decreasing its per microliter count. The condition doesn’t pose any serious problems either to the mother or the baby.

What is the Most Common Cause of Low Platelet Count in Pregnancy

Pregnant ladies should be careful and watch out for the count before it goes below the boundary level. Pregnant ladies generally tend to have mild thrombocytopenia—regular changes in pregnancy that cause a low platelet count. As pregnancy progresses, the platelet count may decrease. In rare cases, a severe lack of folic acid may lead to this condition. But if the count reaches the lowest level, it may lead to serious health issues. It usually occurs due to an immune system problem or a bone marrow disorder. In pregnancy, the mother has to take a few medicines, too, which may decrease the platelet count in their body.

What are the Common Low Platelet Count Symptoms

There are no specific symptoms of this health condition, but just like Jiya did, many may feel the following, and they can be determined as low platelet count symptoms-

• Spontaneous bleeding from the mouth, nose, and urine or stool
• More fatigue
• Easy bruising more often
• Tiny red spots

What Happens if the Platelet Count is Low

Fortunately, the baby is unaffected by the mother’s low platelet count. Also, the count returns to normal a few days after the delivery. In cases with very low platelet count, heavy bleeding may occur at the time of the child’s delivery, making an epidural unsafe for the mother. It is very important to maintain platelet count during pregnancy, as it may lead to several complications in some cases. Some of them are mentioned below-

• Premature delivery
• Stillbirth
• High blood pressure
• Slow growth of the baby
• Separation of the placenta from the womb
• Pregnancy loss
• Bleeding even without any injury

Preexisting Disorders Associated with Thrombocytopenia

A few preexisting conditions that may be associated with thrombocytopenia are mentioned below-

• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Human immunodeficiency virus infection
• Hepatitis B or C

Diagnosis of Thrombocytopenia

Diagnosing this platelet disorder is done with a complete blood count (CBC). You should visit your gynaecologist for routine medical care often. If you have any of the symptoms, you may also reach out to a high-risk pregnancy specialist. Don’t hesitate to consult a haematologist or blood disorder specialist in serious conditions. 

If the situation persists, it may lead to pregnancy complications. This results in extra hustle during those nine months and adds a financial burden. During pregnancy, your maternity centre becomes your second home. Regular visits to the gynaecologist and dietitian are already enough to burn a hole in your pocket. 

But don’t let pregnancy-related financial worries hamper your child’s nourishment. Give your newborn baby quality care with health insurance for pregnancy. At Care Health Insurance, we have tailored the insurance plan to meet pregnancy-related expenses such as prenatal, postnatal care, pre-hospitalisation, post-hospitalisation, and delivery charges. Insure yourself and your baby, and step towards an easier life. 

Treatment of Thrombocytopenia

GT (Gestational Thrombocytopenia) usually doesn’t require treatment because it is mild. On the other hand, for ITP, corticosteroids can be prescribed. Most pregnant ladies prefer home remedies to solve this health issue. You can raise your platelet count with the following foods-

• Dark chocolate
• Lentils and pulses
• Lean meat and liver
• Cereals
• Dairy alternatives
• Eggs
• Oranges
• Green leafy vegetables
• Brussels sprouts 
• Red pepper

Read More: Inclusions And Exclusion In Maternity Health Insurance

Bottomline

Jiya didn’t pay attention to the symptoms she had been experiencing, which resulted in consequences. If you develop any of them earlier, contact your gynaecologist and take preventive measures to avoid that. It is not only about you anymore. 

Protect and nourish your family by giving them the care they deserve. Your family is God’s gift to you. 

Disclaimer:The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.