Low blood platelet count

[mumoftwoboysS]

I've just got my bloods back from the mw from my 13 week scan/blood tests (even though I'm now 17 weeks- she had to ring the hospital to get them!) and my blood platelets are a bit low (129,000) apparently the norm is 150,000 upwards and its only a concern if they go below 100,000 but that doesn't stop me worrying!

has anyone else had this and what was the outcome? I have to have another blood test tomorrow and I'm hoping it's gone up again but I'll have to wait and see. This is DC3 and I didn't have this with previous pregnancies.

[mamachelle]

i have the hereditary version of thrombocytopenia (low platelets) courtesy of my mum and just wanted to hopefully offer you some reassurance as my dc4 is due tomorrow and all my previous pregnancies have been healthy and i have had uncomplicated, normal deliveries.

between 8 and 38 weeks my platelets have been - 51,48,55,53,72,78,73,73 and 75(000).

i see the consultant, hematologist and anaesthetist a couple of times throughout the pregnancy to touch base and make sure every1 knows the plan of action which is always a short course of steroids in the last few weeks of pregnancy to boost my platelets to above a min of 80 or the magic 100. this is due to the different pain relief that can be offered, the obvious risk of a bleed and any emergency assistance they can perform at certain platelet levels.

it sounds dramatic but is really nothing more than a cover all bases scenario.

vit k for baby and the placenta injection is also recommended after delivery.

platelets have a tendency to rise naturally towards the end of pregnancy so am sure yours will too.

the only thing i will advise is to insist on extra blood tests at midwife app and chase the results yourself for your own piece of mind. i dont have to request extra tests, (im sure they think im a pin cushion) but do know phone the drs or hosp 2 days after tests to get the platelet count myself so i know where im at as you would be suprised how many hosp apps ive attended where ive had to tell them what my most recent count was due to hosp systems etc

anyway, not sure ive helped (in my sleep deprived state) but if i have missed anything just ask. im not an expert but am experienced now lol

[mumoftwoboysS]

Thanks so much for your replies! Mamachelle it is reassuring- thank you. Especially to know that the platelet count can go as low as yours i.e. in the 50's (000) and nothing alarming happens- you'll have to excuse my naivety but it all sounded very scary when the midwife explained to me -especially as it's to do with blood clotting. Thank you so much for the info. I had a blood test this morning so will chase up the results on friday. My mw wasn't that great at reassuring me to be honest but maybe that's just her personality!

She told me that it could affect getting an epidural during labour but that's not top of my priority anyway as my first pregnancy was only gas and air and 2nd I didn't have anything (mainly due to the fact that I didn't get to hospital in time!)

Angus Yes I read that too, that it's due to the volume of blood increasing. Sounds like your doc is better at reassuring!

Thanks again- really has helped- I was so worried initially but hopefully all will go smoothly.

Best of luck with your 4th delivery Mamachelle!

[mumoftwoboysS]

btw- I have read that you can boost your platelet count via diet- any of you heard this? by eating foods rich in vit B12 and folate I think it was?