Low blood platlets

[BeckyyHopee]

Once again ive had another blood test and my platketa are still dropping. Ive read so many things that happen when your platelets continue to drop like having to have a c section and possibly having a huge bleed during labour is any of this true because I'm now scared about having her. Any advice would be great

[Hopeful15]

Hi Becky, I assume you have been in consultation with Dr Google? What has your MW and Obs had to say? From what I understand there is a possibility that low blood platelets could be nothing to worry about at all. Therefore the specialists should be advising you directly. Please don't tell me they've told you your count is low then sent you on your way? No wonder you're worried.

[BeckyyHopee]

That's exactly what they have done. I get another blood test form sent through the post and a phone call to say I need another blood test because they are still dropping. I'm only 21 weeks but I'm completely panicked now about the labour because of things that they say online could go wrong. Me and my boyfriend were reading last night and he's now panicked that something will happen to me after I give birth if I bleed and they cannot stop it. I'm just terrified. And now my normally very head strong boyfriend is even a little panicked too!

[Highlandlass22]

Please talk to your midwife and get some information. If there are elevated risks you will monitored and you will likely have a birth plan that reduces the chance of problems. They will take good care of you now they know the score so don't worry but get good info from your midwife.

[BeckyyHopee]

I'm seeing my midwife in 3 weeks so I'm going to get as much information out of her as possible then. Thank you lovely ladies

[2andcounting]

Hi, I had this too... I was about 18 weeks with my first child and my platelets went down to 6.. After various tests I was diagnosed with thromobocytopenia (low platelets for unknown reason). Apparently v worrying about bleeding but felt fine. I was in hospital for a week... But all was fine they were worried in case I fell over and I wasn't allowed to drive... Use knifes or anything else that could cut me as bleeding would be difficult to stop. I was put on steroids to bring them up - which they did and then weened off the steroids. I had fortnightly blood tests but no problems.. They checked them when i was in labour and they were ok but they had a plan of what they were going to do if they weren't high enough... I think it was a transfusion of heamoglobulin or something like that (it was 5 years ago). They didn't say they'd C section me. I had a natural birth - no side affects and baby boy is now starting school. All was fine. I know it's really scary but relax as best you can and listen to your haematologist/ obstetrician and if you have questions or worries be persistent and ask questions!! I know it's worrying but hopefully a good news story rather than Dr google will help a little bit. Ps no probs in my second pregnancy.. I had monthly blood tests but platelets were fine... They came to the conclusion it was either a very very rare flu vaccine reaction or a pregnancy thing... Good luck and feel free to ask any questions. I should also point out that my platelets were at the extreme end of low... I'm hoping yours aren't that low and will pop up all by themselves but if they don't there is a way of sorting it! X

[BeckyyHopee]

Thank you 2andcounting. I have asked twice how long my platelets are and they havent given me an answer. They just seem to avoid the subject which makes me worry more and I hate the panic. They said that it doesn't effect my baby girl and she is happy and growing well I just don't understand why they would be making me do all these blood tests if they have no reason for concern. Is there nothing I can do to help? Xx

[2andcounting]

Unfortunately not... With me they were going to watch and wait with regular blood tests as they apparently often bounce back on their own but because they were so low they got advice from a haematologist who specialist in pregnant women... Then put me on steroids.. I can't understand why they won't tell you how low they are but when they were very low for me I was in hospital.. honestly everything was fine for me.. Just watch out for bleeding or anything unusual and look after yourself.. And make sure you follow doctors advice x

[Hidden]

Hi, I had low platelets in both my pregnancies and I had a natural birth for both, I was kept an eye on through out with blood tests every 2wks and told it was unlikely I would be allowed an epidural (not that I minded I hate needles) I was also told that I would have to give birth in our local major hospital as they have doctors etc there and the maternity unit in my home town is run just by midwives. Please try not to worry as the midwives told me they don't really worry about platelets until they get to below 100 and they would take blood from me as soon as I arrived at hospital to check the level, mine had gone up to 123 the highest they had been all pregnancy.

And if they are worried they will refer you to a obstetrician and they will go through your birth and pain relief options that are available to you, and like 2andcounting no one said anything about a c-section to me.

What level are yours at the moment?

I know it's hard but please try not to worry xx