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

Posted on Wed, 24 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 24 May 2017 Answered on

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.

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