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What Causes Low Platelet Count During 38th Week Of Pregnancy?

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Posted on Wed, 24 May 2017
Twitter Wed, 24 May 2017 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 14 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on
Question : I'm 38 weeks pregnant. It was discovered I had a lower than normal platelet count of 135 at 9 weeks. Then it dropped to 119 at 16 weeks then back up to 130 at 29 weeks. I just had it checked at 36 weeks and its 110. They are retesting but im nervous for myself and my baby with delivery being so close. I havent had any other symptoms, and heard i may not be able to have an epidural. Im also afraid its something underlying. Any insight would be helpful.

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Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This is not of major concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I understand your concerns. However, the drop in platelets is very mild and if there aren't any symptoms or signs then this is most likely low platelet of pregnancy, which is a benign disorder.

This doesn't impact the mother or child's health in any way. Epidural is safe if platelet count remains above 80,000/ul.

I don't see any reason to workup for underlying causes like autoimmune, unless there is a drop to below 80,000 and that is very unlikely considering the short time before delivery.

Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Thank you so much. So would this be more of a watch and wait? My OB is suggesting I see a hematologist. What course of action might they take?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes wait and watch

Detailed Answer:
No harm in seeing a hematologist but I don't think they would do anything except basics.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Ok, thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Best regards
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Indranil Ghosh

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What Causes Low Platelet Count During 38th Week Of Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: This is not of major concern Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. I understand your concerns. However, the drop in platelets is very mild and if there aren't any symptoms or signs then this is most likely low platelet of pregnancy, which is a benign disorder. This doesn't impact the mother or child's health in any way. Epidural is safe if platelet count remains above 80,000/ul. I don't see any reason to workup for underlying causes like autoimmune, unless there is a drop to below 80,000 and that is very unlikely considering the short time before delivery. Hope this helps. Regards