What is the most common cause of low platelet count in pregnancy?

What is the most common cause of low platelet count in pregnancy?

Gestational thrombocytopenia (defined as a mild thrombocytopenia, occurring during the 3 rd trimester with spontaneous resolution postpartum and no neonatal thrombocytopenia) is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy but a low platelet can also be associated with several diseases, either pregnancy …

Can low platelets cause birth defects?

The physiological thrombocytopenia of pregnancy is mild and has no adverse effects for the mother and fetus. By contrast, a significant thrombocytopenia associated with medical conditions can have serious maternal-fetal consequences and requires specific monitoring and appropriate management.

What is the normal platelet count for a pregnant woman?

There is a normal drop in platelet count during pregnancy. In the first trimester, the normal count is around 250,000 and decreases to about 225,000 at delivery. Platelet counts <100,000 were rarely encountered in normal, uncomplicated pregnancies and should not generally be considered a physiologic change.

What causes low platelets in late pregnancy?

What causes gestational thrombocytopenia? Gestational thrombocytopenia is caused by the natural changes occurring in your body during pregnancy. When you are expecting, your body increases its blood volume, causing hemodilution. This occurs when the blood plasma increases while the number of platelets remains the same.

Why are my platelets dropping in pregnancy?

It’s normal for your platelet count to dip by a few thousand during pregnancy, due in part to hemodilution: the body makes more plasma during pregnancy, so the total number of platelets per volume of blood will be lower.

Can low platelets cause miscarriage?

It has been reported that platelet aggregation and thrombosis during early placental development can cause miscarriage, and this can be associated with high MPV values [27].

How can I increase my platelets during pregnancy?

Certain foods can also help increase your platelet levels, including:

1. Dark chocolate.
2. Dark, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale.
3. Lean beef and beef liver.
4. Black-eyed peas and lentils.
5. Eggs.
6. Fortified breakfast cereals.
7. Fortified dairy alternatives.

Is it normal to have low platelets during pregnancy?

Low platelets during pregnancy are a common thing. The standard platelet count is between 150 to 400 million per milliliter of blood. However, this count may vary from person to person. You are said to have a low platelet count during pregnancy when the count goes below the prescribed standard.

How dangerous is a low platelet count?

A very low level of platelet count can be dangerous especially with evident bleeding. It will certainly be a horrible situation to experience sudden and uncontrolled flow of blood from the nose, gums, or any other openings of the body. And sadly, it could happen with a really low platelet count .

What is wrong if you have a low platelet count?

For some, the symptoms can include severe bleeding and are possibly fatal if they’re not treated. Other people may not experience any symptoms. Typically, a low platelet count is the result of a medical condition, such as leukemia, or certain medications.

What does it mean to have a low platelet count?

Having a low platelet count means that the blood possesses too few thrombocytes or specialized blood cells called platelets that help to aid in blood clotting.