Low Platelets

Hi mamas! I’m almost 35 weeks and have been diagnosed with low platelets or gestational thrombocytopenia throughout my pregnancy. They’re currently at 113 (113,000 platelets per microliter) and I’m having them rechecked every couple of weeks.

Anyone experience this in a previous pregnancy and did it impact your birth plan in any way? My OB informed me that if the platelet count drops below a certain threshold then an epidural should be avoided because of the risk of the risk of epidural hematoma. My baby is also breech so I’m wondering if low platelets impacts a potential c-section in any way?

Any insights would be helpful! 🙏❤️

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Hi! I also have a very low blood platelets. Im exactly 37 weeks and my blood platelets this morning shows at 81.
Having a csection on monday, and have to do blood transfusions prior the procedure.
You might want to ask your doctor what’s your best choice (if its normal can it be done with induction, or csection procedure with earlier schedule to avoid blood transfusions like me).

Just be ready with all the options and what matters most is you and baby will be safe 🍼👶🏻
Good luck mama!

That’s super helpful, thank you! 😊 And best of luck on Monday, hope you have a wonderful birth!

Hi there! I was also diagnosed with low platelets. Your docs should be checking your levels weekly so that they can assess whether an induction is possible before losing the option of an epidural is imminent. As the patient you also want to consider the possibility that you may need a c section for some reason and being able to get an epidural (instead of general anesthesia) so that you can be conscious and greet your baby after the birth is possible! One thing I do know is that each anesthesiologist has a different threshold for what they think is too low. The previous hospital I was at said 100. I switched providers (for different reasons) and they say 70 is their number. So I’d ask about what that number is so you can feel fully informed and prepared to advocate for yourself.

Thank you so much and that’s helpful to know about the change in options available for a c-section as well. I’ll definitely ask at my next appointment about the platelet count threshold for the anesthesiologist to feel comfortable!

That’s very comforting to hear, thank you!! Best of luck with your upcoming birth! ❤️

For my first baby, I was in the hospital 3 days before I gave birth where they informed me that my platelets were low, and I wasn’t allowed to have an epidural. But when I went back to the hospital after labor started, they checked again and determined the level was safe for an epidural so that’s what I got. I don’t remember doing anything to elevate my levels but I was glad that they checked again.

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