
Platelets are specialized blood cells that play a vital role in the process of blood clotting. This write-up provides information on the causes of a low blood platelet count during pregnancy.
Thrombocytes, also commonly known as blood platelets, are small irregularly-shaped cells that are found in blood plasma. These are specialized blood cells that contain certain enzymes. These facilitate the process of hemostasis. When any blood vessel ruptures, these cells get activated and help the blood to clot. The life span of these cells ranges from eight to ten days. Though new cells are continuously produced in the bone marrow and circulated throughout the body to keep the blood platelet count in the normal range, under certain circumstances, the blood platelet count can become higher or lower than the normal range.
When the platelet count drops below the normal range, the process of blood coagulation gets adversely affected, which makes one susceptible to excessive bleeding. On the other hand, a high platelet count can lead to the formation of blood clots, which in turn can obstruct blood vessels and cause serious medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. A low platelet count is medically referred to as thrombocytopenia. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to develop this condition.
Thrombocytopenia in Pregnant Women
Though some women might have low blood platelet count even before pregnancy, it is not uncommon for women to develop this condition during pregnancy. It is believed that the increase in the volume of blood plasma is the contributing factor. When blood plasma increases, there is a drop in the number of platelets that are present per milliliter of blood. Some women might have a low platelet count in the third trimester. This condition is referred to as gestational thrombocytopenia.
It is believed that the life span of platelets diminishes during pregnancy, which is why they get used up quickly. In some cases, a low platelet count might be associated with conditions such as preeclampsia, hypertension, or an autoimmune disease called thrombocytopenic purpura. The inability of the bone marrow to produce enough platelets or the enlargement of the spleen could also cause thrombocytopenia. Whatever be the cause, it must be addressed soon. Since platelets help in fighting off infections and aid in blood clotting, there is a need to eliminate the chances of bleeding. In mild cases, the condition is usually asymptomatic; however, medical assistance must be sought in severe cases.
Treatment
Thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed with the help of a complete blood test. If your blood test results reveal a very low platelet count, you must consult a doctor for finding out about the treatment options. Since certain underlying medical conditions might be responsible for causing this condition during the course of pregnancy, the diagnosis of such pre-existing conditions is central to the treatment. Treating the underlying cause will help in bringing the platelet count back to normal. Sometimes, the use of certain medications can also affect the platelet count, so make sure that you inform your doctor about the drugs you have been taking. While mild gestational thrombocytopenia is not really a cause of serious concern and the platelet count regularizes a few weeks after delivery, blood transfusion might be required in severe cases. The use of certain corticosteroids might also prove beneficial. Since alcohol abuse can cause low platelet count, pregnant women must refrain from consumption of alcohol. One must follow a healthy diet and get the platelet levels regularly monitored.
If your blood test reveals a very low platelet count, don’t ignore it. Unlike mild thrombocytopenia that might resolve on its own, drug therapy or other treatment options are required in severe cases.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.