Low platelet levels in the blood during pregnancy causes

Value of the study

The main indicators that the doctor pays attention to when deciphering a general blood test are hemoglobin and red blood cells, ESR, leukocytes and leukocyte formula. The rest are more likely to be auxiliary.

Most often, a general blood test is prescribed to understand whether there is inflammation and signs of infection in the body, and if so, of what origin - viral, bacterial or other.

Also, a general blood test can help determine anemia - anemia. And if there are signs of it in the blood, additional tests are prescribed to establish the causes.

A general blood test is also prescribed if there is a suspicion of an oncological process, when there are a number of warning symptoms and clues are needed. In this case, the blood can indirectly tell you in which direction to move next.

Other indications are usually even rarer.

Is low platelet count dangerous?

Consequences:

Severe uterine bleeding. In such cases, it is necessary to carry out premature delivery, depending on the gestational age, the outcome can be sad.
Thrombocytopenia during childbirth is always accompanied by severe bleeding, which leads to the development of additional complications.
With an autoimmune type of pathology, antibodies destroy blood elements in the child’s body. As a result, a congenital form of the disease develops, bleeding in the newborn.

It is not difficult to avoid dangerous consequences - just take regular tests and follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

Some experience the following consequences:

early miscarriage
premature onset of labor
possible thrombocythemia in a newborn baby
internal bleeding in a baby in the womb
HELLP syndrome (a rare pathology accompanied by high blood pressure, nausea, abdominal and head pain)

Low platelets may be a reason for a cesarean section. However, in this case there is a high probability of bleeding due to the operation. The decision is made by a medical council. The benefits and risks for the fetus and the pregnant woman are taken into account.

If a woman previously had problems with blood counts, there is a high probability of a relapse during pregnancy. In severe cases, doctors prohibit having children at all.

Abbreviation

Nowadays, English is mostly used on test result forms. abbreviations. Let's go through the main indicators and figure out what they mean.

The leukocyte formula is a separate block

This is more detailed information about the same WBC from the previous block.

White blood cells are very different. All of them are generally responsible for immunity, but each individual species is responsible for different directions in the immune system: for the fight against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and nonspecific foreign particles. Therefore, the doctor always looks first at the total leukocyte count from the list above, and then at the leukocyte formula to understand which part of the immune system is impaired.

Please note that these indicators usually come in two dimensions: absolute (abs.) and relative (%).

Absolute ones show how many cells are in the field of vision, and relative ones show how many of these cells make up the total number of leukocytes. This may turn out to be an important detail - for example, in absolute numbers, lymphocytes seem to be within the normal range, but against the background of a general decrease in all leukocytes, their relative number is much higher than normal. So, leukocyte formula.

Platelets

Platelets are called nuclear-free, spherical plates of blood. A platelet (in Greek θρόμβος means clot, and κύτος means cell) is not quite a full-fledged cell, a kind of protein formation focused on performing a specific function in our body. This is what a platelet looks like in the photo:

Genesis and morphology of platelets

Platelets, like other blood cells, are formed in the red blood marrow. They bud from the cytoplasm of giant cells - megakaryocytes, being part of their cytoplasm. A platelet lives for 5-11 days; its lifespan is determined by the characteristics of the biological environment and the state of human health. During this time, the platelet goes through 3 forms of existence - young, mature, old. There are also forms that reflect pathological and situational states of platelets, for example, “degenerative” and “irritable.”

The purpose of platelets in the human body

In its mature form, the platelet is much larger in size compared to its other forms. Only when mature is it able to fulfill its main purpose - to participate in the processes of regeneration (healing) of damaged body tissues and blood clotting.

The mechanism of platelet function

In the normal (non-activated) state, the platelet is a lump of neutral cytoplasm. At the moment of activation, it changes its shape and becomes “sticky”. Thanks to this, platelets can attach to the edges of damaged tissue or vessels, forming a kind of ring of platelets around the perimeter, which over time (depending on the size of the damage, but normally 8-10 minutes) fills towards the center.

The platelet barrier is called the “primary plug” by doctors. Next, the process of hemostasis continues with the protein deposited on the primary plug - fibrinogen. The resulting compound activates blood clotting factors, which transform the primary plug into a secondary one - the fibrin protein. After a certain time, the damage is eliminated, the fibrin plug disintegrates, and fibrin breakdown products are absorbed by macrophages.

A few words about platelet activation: the platelet membrane in an inactivated state is covered on the outside by phosphatidylcholine molecules, and on the inside by phospholipid molecules. Only phospholipid molecules have the ability to be “sticky”. During activation, phospholipids, due to the phenomenon of osmosis, pass through the platelet membrane to the surface, making it “sticky”. Activation of platelets is not retroactive; once it occurs, it changes the properties of the platelet forever.

Decoding

Now let's go through each of these indicators and figure out what they mean.

HGB - hemoglobin - Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body and delivers it to the necessary tissues. If there is not enough of it, the cells begin to starve and a whole chain of symptoms develops: weakness, fatigue, dizziness, hair loss and brittle nails, snags in the corners of the lips and others. These are symptoms of anemia.

The hemoglobin molecule contains iron, and vitamin B12 and folic acid also play an important role in its formation. If there are not enough of them, hemoglobin synthesis is disrupted in the body and anemia develops.

There are also hereditary forms of anemia, but they occur much less frequently and deserve separate analysis.

Normal hemoglobin is 120-160 g/l for women and 130-170 g/l for men. You need to understand that in each specific case the standards depend on the laboratory. Therefore, you need to look at the reference values of the laboratory in which you took the test.

Elevated hemoglobin numbers most often occur due to blood thickening, if a person sweats excessively during the heat, or takes diuretics. Climbers and people who often go to the mountains may have even higher hemoglobin - this is a compensatory reaction to a lack of oxygen. Hemoglobin can also increase due to diseases of the respiratory system - when the lungs work poorly and the body constantly lacks oxygen. Each specific case needs to be examined separately.

A decrease in hemoglobin is a sign of anemia. The next step is to figure out which one.

RBC - red blood cells - Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes are red blood cells that transport hemoglobin and are responsible for the metabolic processes of tissues and organs. It is hemoglobin, or rather its iron, that colors these cells red.

Standards for men are 4.2-5.6*10*9/liter. For women - 4-5*10*9/liter. Which again depends on the laboratory.

How to raise platelets

You can increase platelets in the blood during pregnancy with the help of medications, vitamin supplements and special diets.

Important information: What is LYM (LYMPH) in a blood test and decoding the norm is increased or decreased

Drug therapy

The following medications help increase platelet levels in the blood:

Vitamin supplements (Elevit Pronatal). Prescribed for mild forms of thrombopenia. They help replenish vitamin deficiencies and improve blood composition.
Hemostatics (Vikasol). In the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy, these drugs are rarely used. During the period of preparation for childbirth, they are administered in a hospital setting. In some cases, an infusion of donor blood may be required to help temporarily normalize the blood composition.
Glucocorticosteroids (Dexamethasone). Prescribed for autoimmune thrombocytopenia. Treatment begins with the administration of large doses of the drug, after which they gradually move on to maintenance. Stop therapy once the platelet count normalizes.
Immunoglobulin. Injections are given when hormonal drugs are ineffective. During the entire pregnancy, 3-5 injections are given.

Alternative medicine

If platelets are slightly reduced during pregnancy, the following folk remedies will help cope with the problem:

Nettle decoction. 10 g of herb is poured into a glass of boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes, cooled. The strained liquid is consumed 100 ml in the morning and evening. You need to be treated for 2 weeks.
Nettle juice with milk. Fresh leaves are crushed and the juice is squeezed out of the resulting mass. 5 ml of liquid is mixed with 50 ml of milk. You need to make and consume this drink 3 times a day for a month. Milk can be replaced with water.
Sesame oil. This remedy is good for pregnant women who have low platelets. It does not harm the fetus and does not cause side effects. Oil is consumed 1 tbsp. l. half an hour before meals. You need to be treated for 3-4 weeks.

Important information: How are platelets indicated in a general blood test?

Nutritional Features

Nutrition should meet the body's need for vitamins and microelements. The diet includes foods that increase the number of blood cells:

fresh vegetables and fruits (carrots, beets, apples, bananas, peaches, pomegranates);
eggs;
dairy products;
lean varieties of beef and pork;
seafood, sea fish;
nuts and mushrooms;
legumes (beans, peas);
fermented milk products;
greenery.

Following strict diets that involve abstaining from meat and dairy products is prohibited. At the same time, smoked meats, sausages, canned food, and chocolate should not be included in the diet.

Leukocyte formula

NEU - neutrophils

The largest pool of leukocytes, accounting for 50 to 75% of the entire leukocyte population. This is the main link of cellular immunity. Neutrophils themselves are divided into band-nuclear (young forms) and segmented (mature). An increase in the level of neutrophils due to young forms is called a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left and is characteristic of an acute bacterial infection. A decrease may be a sign of a viral infection, and a significant decrease may be a sign of blood disease.

LYM - lymphocytes

The second pool of leukocytes after neutrophils. It is generally accepted that during an acute bacterial infection the number of lymphocytes decreases, and during a viral infection and after it it increases.

A significant decrease in lymphocytes can be observed with HIV infection, leukemia, and immunodeficiency. But this happens extremely rarely and is usually accompanied by severe symptoms.

EOS - eosinophils

Rare representatives of leukocytes. An increase in their number occurs during allergic reactions, including drug allergies, and is also a characteristic sign of helminthic infestation.

BAS - basophils

WITH

the smallest population of leukocytes. Their increase may indicate allergies, parasitic diseases, chronic infections, inflammatory and oncological diseases. Sometimes a temporary increase in basophils cannot be explained.

MON - monocytes

The largest representatives of leukocytes. These are macrophages that eat bacteria. An increase in values most often indicates the presence of an infection - bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoal. And also about the recovery period after them and about specific infections - syphilis, tuberculosis. In addition, it may be a sign of systemic diseases - rheumatoid arthritis and others.

How to lower platelet levels

Finding the necessary treatment that is safe for the fetus can be difficult. This should be done by a good specialist.

If the level of platelets is not critical (not higher than 400 x 10 9 / l), you can change the composition of the daily menu: exclude foods that can further increase the number of cells, but add a diluting effect.

Considered healthy: fish oil, vegetable oils (olive, flaxseed), tomato juice, onions and garlic, sour fruits and berries. A woman should monitor her drinking regime. In the absence of edema and kidney damage, it is necessary to drink up to three liters of liquid. This can include green tea and fresh juices.

It is forbidden to eat bananas, walnuts, pomegranates, lentil porridge, and chokeberries.

Pregnant women are not recommended to get carried away with folk remedies. All tinctures and decoctions are poorly regulated in dosage. Instead of decreasing, you can increase your platelet levels.

The main recommendation is to be examined before pregnancy and treat all identified diseases. Then you won’t have to be afraid of complications and worry about your unborn child.

Manifestations of a decrease in platelets appear in the form of bruises on the body and bleeding gums.

ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate

If you draw blood into a test tube and leave it for some time, the blood cells will begin to precipitate. If after an hour we take a ruler and measure how many millimeters of red blood cells have precipitated, we will get the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Normally, it ranges from 0 to 15 mm per hour in men, and from 0 to 20 mm in women.

It can increase if red blood cells are burdened with something - for example, proteins that are actively involved in the immune response: in the case of inflammation, an allergic reaction, autoimmune diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and others. May increase in cases of cancer. There is also a physiological increase explained by pregnancy, menstruation or old age.

In any case, a high ESR always requires additional examination. Although it is a non-specific indicator and can speak about many things at the same time, it speaks little about anything specific.

In any case, it is almost impossible to make an accurate diagnosis using a general blood test, so this analysis is only the first step in diagnosis and some beacon to understand where to go next. Do not try to look for signs of cancer or HIV in your test - most likely they are not there. But if you notice any changes in your blood test, do not delay visiting your doctor. He will evaluate your symptoms, collect your medical history, and tell you what to do next with this test.

We noticed that in the comments there are a lot of questions about deciphering the analyzes that we do not have time to answer. In addition to making good recommendations, it is important to ask follow-up questions to find out your symptoms. We have very good therapists in our service who can help with deciphering the tests and answer any of your questions. For consultation follow the link.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of pathology is carried out on the basis of clinical studies of urine, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid.

What tests are prescribed:

blood test to determine the level of coagulation, detection of antibodies to platelet elements;
general and biochemical blood test to assess the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets;
urine test for hemosiderin - an iron-containing pigment formed during the breakdown of blood;
aspiration puncture.

Additionally, an ultrasound is prescribed to study the condition of the spleen and kidneys.

How is the level determined?

The level of platelets in the blood can be determined by a general analysis, which does not require any preliminary preparation from the woman. A general clinical blood test is done several times during the period of pregnancy. Doctors have the opportunity to dynamically monitor changes in blood composition.

For women who are not pregnant and for men, values of 180-360*10^9 cells per liter of platelets are considered normal. During pregnancy, the norms are somewhat different. A pregnant woman's platelet count is lower than that of non-pregnant adults, and there is a reasonable explanation for this.

By the middle of pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body of the expectant mother increases, and therefore the concentration of individual cells, in particular platelets, decreases.

A normal platelet count for a woman carrying a baby is considered to be from 140 to 340 thousand/μl with aggregation from 40 to 60%. The number of blood platelets decreases in the blood gradually, the lowest value occurs in the third trimester. But nature acted wisely - while reducing the number of cells that participate in coagulation, it increased their ability to aggregate. This is a kind of preparation for an important event - childbirth, because it is always accompanied by bleeding to one degree or another.

Norms of platelets in the blood of pregnant women - table of average values:

Gestational periods

Platelet concentration (minimum-maximum level)

A decrease in platelets above normal is called thrombocytopenia. It is always associated either with insufficient production of blood platelets, or with a decrease in their ability to aggregate and participate in the most important biochemical processes occurring in the body.

Thrombocytopenia in pregnant women

But there are many conditions when platelets are low during pregnancy. The reasons for this may be:

bacterial and/or viral infections;
autoimmune diseases, when the body begins to produce antibodies against its own platelet cells;
anemia of various origins;
bleeding (chronic and acute);
tumor or genetic diseases of the bone marrow.

It is not difficult to increase platelets in the blood of a pregnant woman, but first you need to find out the root cause.

The most striking manifestations of thrombocytopenia:

spontaneous nosebleeds;
sudden and causeless appearance of bruises in different parts of the body, even due to minor physical impact;
lethargy, fatigue, fatigue.

Blood from the nose is the first sign of thrombocytopenia

Ways to increase platelet concentration:

platelet transfusion (done if low platelets reach a level of 70*109/l or less);
the use of Prednisolone for autoimmune aggression;
nutrition correction with the addition of citrus fruits, beets, green vegetables, as well as cranberry or pomegranate juice.

Foods that increase platelet count

Important! To have a complete picture of the state of the coagulation system in a particular pregnant woman, it is not enough to know the platelet count. It is necessary to do a coagulogram and look at an indicator such as platelet aggregation.

Timely checking of hematological parameters is the key to successful prevention of complications during pregnancy.

← Average volume and norm of platelets in the blood of an adult

Indicators of normal red blood cells in the blood of children →

We recommend studying similar materials:

1. Causes and dangers of increased basophil levels in children
2. Reasons for an increase or decrease in neutrophils in a blood test in children?
3. Functions and possible causes of pathologies of segmented neutrophils
4. Norms for the content of neutrophils in the blood and what functions they perform
5. Proper nutrition for high levels of bilirubin in the blood
6. What to do if there is an increased level of bilirubin during pregnancy?
7. What to do if the level of basophils increases and what does this mean?

Reasons for the decline

The reasons why the number of platelets in the blood decreases are varied. In order for the doctor to understand what exactly led to such a clinical picture, additional research will definitely be needed. To do this, the woman is prescribed a blood test for biochemistry, as well as for infections, including hepatitis and HIV status.

To understand whether everything is in order with the function of these blood plates, a comprehensive blood clotting test will be prescribed, which will show not only the number of platelets, but also their quality, determine the speed of blood clotting, and show whether there are enough enzymes and proteins involved in the factors coagulability.

The following diseases and conditions most often lead to thrombocytopenia:

Allergy. With any inadequate reaction of the body to an allergen, the composition of the blood changes. The platelet count may be reduced.
Autoimmune processes. Quite often the reason lies in the fact that the woman’s body produces special antibodies that destroy platelets. A decrease in this case is inevitable.
Inadequate nutrition and lack of vitamins. An unbalanced, poor or unhealthy diet affects the composition of the blood, and quantitative formulas can fluctuate noticeably in one direction or another. Most often, low platelets during pregnancy are observed with a deficiency of vitamin B 12 and folic acid.
HIV infection. In a state of immunodeficiency, the number of platelets decreases sharply. Even if the first HIV test was negative (and all pregnant women do this when registering), there is no guarantee that the second test will also be negative. The incubation period of the disease is long, and infection could have occurred after registration.

Reasons for the downgrade

Low platelet count: causes and symptoms

Thrombocytopenia in a pregnant woman should be considered if the platelet level is below 150*109/l. The doctor will look at the rest of the test results and assess how low the norm and blood clotting time are.

If the platelet level is not lower than 116*109/l, it is too early to talk about any pathology and sound the alarm. During pregnancy, there may be physiological reasons for a slight decrease. It is also worth considering that mistakes also happen in the laboratory, especially if a lot of time has passed between donating blood and the test result itself.

If your platelet count is below normal and may be considered critical, your doctor will order further testing to determine the cause of this condition:

HIV infection. There is always a possibility that a pregnant woman has HIV, so this test is taken several times during pregnancy. But even if the first test was negative, there is no guarantee that infection did not occur after that. With HIV infection, the body's immunity is weakened, and the platelet count also drops.
Taking certain medications. Uncontrolled use of various drugs leads to changes in blood composition, and platelet levels may drop. In this case, you should adjust your medication intake.
Leukemia. In leukemia, the production of all blood cells, including platelets, is impaired. However, such a serious diagnosis cannot be made based on platelet count alone. It is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the pregnant woman.
Viral or bacterial infection. An infection will be indicated not only by the level of platelets; it can be recognized even before a blood test. Such infections have characteristic symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, etc. They can be dangerous to the fetus and therefore require immediate and careful treatment.

All of these diseases and conditions have different symptoms and manifest themselves in different ways, but thrombocytopenia is always associated with bleeding. The vessels become fragile, which is reflected in bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and prolonged menstruation (if we are not talking about pregnancy).

Methods for treating thrombocytopenia during pregnancy

Before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to understand the reasons that led to a decrease in the level of platelets in the blood. Often in pregnant women, these causes do not lead to serious complications, and platelet levels are corrected with the help of medications.

The reasons can be both minor and quite serious (fetal death, bleeding, hormonal imbalance, neuropathy, etc.). Each of them separately requires specific treatment. Thrombocytopenia is most common in the second half of pregnancy, when the placenta has already formed and blood volume increases significantly.

If the platelet level is critically low, treatment must be started immediately; some cases may require hospitalization of the pregnant woman. It is necessary not only to increase the level of platelets, but also to establish the hematopoietic system. For this purpose, glucocorticosteroids are prescribed. These are hormonal medications that are often prescribed for adrenal insufficiency. Dexamethasone is often prescribed during pregnancy and has many effects, including preventing premature dilatation of the cervix.

These drugs are prescribed either in tablets or by injection, gradually reducing the dose until positive dynamics appear.

If glucocorticosteroids are powerless, they resort to treatment with injections of immunoglobulins.

Usually one injection is enough, but the doctor may repeat it 2-3 times during pregnancy. In some severe cases, platelet transfusions are performed.

Interesting: 37 weeks pregnant and 5 days

Useful video - Platelets: normal and abnormalities in blood tests.

Low platelets during pregnancy (thrombocytopenia), and how to increase

Today we look at low platelets in pregnancy. Assessment of platelet levels during pregnancy is included in the list of mandatory studies. Low platelets during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, severe bleeding during childbirth, etc.

If deviations are detected, an additional analysis is recommended - platelet count according to Fonio. The technique involves preparing and staining a blood sample, followed by manual cell counting under a microscope.

The article presents normal platelet values for pregnant women, as well as methods for correcting thrombocytopenia.

Prevention of thrombocytopenia with folk remedies

How to increase the number of platelets in the blood? You can increase low platelet levels during pregnancy by using herbal infusions (rosehip, nettle, astragalus fusiflorum), which help strengthen the vascular wall.

Increased consumption of foods rich in vitamin C (bell peppers, apples, black currants, raspberries, cabbage, citrus fruits) also helps.

Meat, fish, vitamin B12 are sources of zinc that are especially necessary for women during pregnancy, not only increasing the level of platelets in the blood, but also eliminating the possibility of pathologies in the development of the fetus.

Do not eat foods containing preservatives and acetic acid.

Experts say that normalizing a pregnant woman’s diet can correct low platelet levels during pregnancy without resorting to increased use of drugs. Naturally, if the pregnant woman’s condition is not assessed as critical.

Platelets during pregnancy

Platelets are the smallest blood cells, their size does not exceed 3 microns in diameter. Despite their small size, their importance for humans is difficult to overestimate. They perform the following functions:

form a platelet plug when the integrity of blood vessels is damaged;
stabilize the platelet clot;
phagocytose pathogenic microorganisms and prevent infection from entering the bloodstream (if the integrity of the vessel is violated);
activate a further cascade of hemostasis reactions.

Platelets are formed in the bone marrow. Stem cells transform into gigantic megakaryocytes. Each megakaryocyte gives rise to 3–4 thousand platelets. After formation, the main part of the cells enters the systemic circulation, the rest is deposited in the spleen.

After damage to the integrity of the vessel wall, platelets are activated, which leads to a change in their shape (they flatten and increase in size many times over). The changed platelets stick together, forming a primary plug.

Normal values for girls over 15 years old are from 175 to 324 * 10 9 cells per liter.

The values for pregnant women range from 70 to 155*10 9 cells per liter.

Why is the platelet rate during pregnancy lower than in non-pregnant women? After conception, the body begins to gradually rebuild its work. The functioning of the endocrine, enzymatic and hematopoietic systems changes significantly. The blood volume begins to gradually increase, and the placental circulation is added.

Causes and symptoms

A pathologically low level of platelets during pregnancy makes itself felt by certain symptoms.

Before analysis, you can assume an unfavorable situation based on the following signs:

bruising on the skin
the occurrence of bleeding gums
nosebleeds
detection of blood in urine

A decrease is also indicated by the detection of protein in a urine test, changes in blood pressure, severe headaches, and nausea. If a woman detects such phenomena, it is necessary to discuss this at an appointment with a doctor. Most likely, an examination will be scheduled in the near future.

There are many causes of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy.

The most common ones include:

hormonal changes - occur against the background of developing pregnancy;
an increase in the amount of blood circulating through the vessels;
lack of vitamin B12 in the body;
condition of eclampsia;
the presence of viral infections in the acute or latent phase;
overactive immune system;
tendency to allergic reactions;
placental abruption and internal bleeding;
intrauterine death of a child;
taking antibiotic drugs.

The initial stages of the disease do not have characteristic symptoms.

More severe forms are easy to diagnose by external signs:

the appearance of bruises on the body for no apparent reason;
spontaneous nosebleeds;
bleeding gums;
the appearance of hemorrhoids and anal fissures;
small subcutaneous hemorrhages in the form of dots;
uterine and vaginal bleeding.

Low platelets during pregnancy

A condition in which the platelet count is below acceptable values is referred to as thrombocytopenia. This condition is pathological and requires immediate medical attention.

disruption of the process of normal blood clotting;
pathologies of the urinary system, in particular – damage to the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys;
hereditary coagulopathies;
thrombocytopenic purpura;
DIC syndrome;
bone marrow damage;
megaloblastic anemia;
congestive forms of heart failure;
manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus;
infectious infection, often of a viral nature;
autoimmune pathologies;
lack of vitamins, as well as macro- and microelements;
taking medications that affect platelet levels. These include any antitumor drugs, some types of analgesics, antiviral, antibacterial, cardiovascular and psychotropic drugs.

Therefore, it is important to inform the laboratory employee about the medications you are taking when donating blood for analysis.

Symptoms of low platelets

It is important for pregnant women to undergo all routine examinations with a doctor and undergo laboratory tests on time. However, when the first symptoms of thrombocytopenia appear, the study should be performed immediately. Symptoms:

bruises form on the skin even with light exposure;
the patient is often bothered by bleeding gums and nosebleeds;
formation of pinpoint hemorrhages on the surface of the skin;
Small wounds and scratches bleed for a long time and do not heal.

It should be noted that platelet counts are not performed separately. Their determination is carried out as part of a clinical blood test, along with the counting of all types of leukocytes and red blood cells. If thrombocytopenia is detected during pregnancy, the patient is prescribed additional research methods.

Rules for preparing for analysis

A pregnant woman should donate blood in the morning, strictly on an empty stomach. The minimum time interval after the last meal is 8 hours. It is allowed to drink pure and unsweetened water in unlimited quantities.

Before donating blood, you should limit physical and emotional stress for 4 hours.

Important: when interpreting the results, the doctor must take into account the patient’s pregnancy, since normal values differ significantly. It is unacceptable to make a diagnosis and select treatment methods based on one analysis or studied indicator. A comprehensive examination and history taking of the patient should be carried out.

Decrease during pregnancy: why does it happen and how does it manifest?

When the process of fertilization of the egg occurs, after which it begins to actively develop, the entire body adapts to the long period of gestation. Bone marrow cells that regulate platelet production are no exception. For a healthy woman, a decrease in the platelet index during pregnancy is a common occurrence, which is associated with a natural imbalance in which more blood cells are consumed than they can be synthesized.

During the normal course of pregnancy, the number of platelets in the blood is within the range of 150-400 thousand/μl. Minor deviations of 20% in each direction are acceptable, which are attributed to inaccuracies in laboratory testing, incorrect blood sampling, or the individual characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body. Indicators below 120 thousand/µl pose a danger to the life and health of mother and child.

Interesting: Is it possible to get pregnant immediately after cleansing?

This pathological condition is called thrombocytopenia.

Video on the topic

Anna Poniaeva. Graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy (2007-2014) and Residency in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (2014-2016).Ask a question>>

The first sign that the platelet count has decreased is the appearance of hematomas and bruises for no apparent reason . They can even appear on the abdomen and on the inside of the thigh, which indicates thinning of the walls of the blood vessels and their inability to restrain mechanical stress. Such manifestations do not pose a particular threat to life, but must be fully monitored by a specialist.

In the presence of mechanical damage to the skin with the appearance of an open wound, the blood clots for a long time, or does not clot at all. Such thrombocytopenia is already dangerous because if there is bleeding, it will be impossible to stop it. This is fraught with miscarriage, premature birth, and large blood loss.

There are a number of factors that can have a certain effect on the body , after which the risks of developing thrombocytopenia increase tenfold:

the presence of allergies caused by long-term use of medications;
chronic inflammatory processes in the body, causing extensive intoxication;
gestosis in pregnant women;
the presence of bleeding, including internal;
chronic liver and kidney diseases, the symptoms of which worsen during pregnancy;
deficiency of vitamins and nutrients in the body;
hormonal disbalance;
diabetes;
sudden weight gain, which led to obesity;
oncological diseases.

The composition of the blood is also affected by taking certain medications. For example, aspirin should never be taken during pregnancy, as its ability to thin the blood can cause heavy bleeding.

Consequences

Doctors identify three possible phases of danger for the development of thrombocytopenia :

The first trimester is a high probability of miscarriage, since liquid blood accelerates lymph exchange, causing additional stress on the heart.
Second and third trimesters - labor can begin at any minute, and its final result can be the most unpredictable.
Delivery - during strong contractions and pushing, extensive bleeding may develop, which will require a direct blood transfusion to eliminate.

To reduce the risk of death, patients with thrombocytopenia are prescribed a cesarean section, preparing several liters of donor blood in advance.

It is extremely difficult to treat thrombocytopenia during pregnancy, since many recommended drugs can cause the development of pathologies in the fetus. The effectiveness of treatment is observed only when the cause of the disease is neutralized . Therefore, the pregnant woman is hospitalized in a hospital for further examination and monitoring of the platelet level.

Drug therapy

Taking medications is permitted only if the expected positive result of treatment is several times greater than the possible risks. Only a doctor is able to prescribe this or that medicine, having realistically assessed the situation and having an idea of the causes of the disease. If thrombocytopenia is caused by inflammatory processes, antibacterial therapy is performed, which is selected according to the treatment protocol for pregnant women.

Problems with the kidneys and liver, in which thrombocytopenia has developed, are difficult to neutralize with medications due to the increased danger to the fetus . The only way out in such a situation is maintenance therapy.

In cases of diagnosing autoimmune diseases, it is recommended to take coroticosteroids, as well as blood transfusions, which are most effective during pregnancy and do not pose a threat to the health of the mother and child.

Alternative medicine

Among the absolutely harmless but effective methods of raising platelet levels without medications are:

Rose hip decoction - pour a handful of rose hips into a glass of boiling water and place in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool, then dilute with 1 liter of boiled water. Drink throughout the day instead of water.
Nettle decoction - the herb is brewed according to the instructions on the package. Take 1 tablespoon before each meal.
Raspberry and blackcurrant juice - mix fresh berries in equal proportions, grind in a blender with the addition of 100 g of natural yogurt. Take as an intermediate meal.

Nutritional Features

To normalize platelet levels, the diet must include the following foods:

apples;
cabbage;
bell pepper;
eggplant;
boiled chicken;
rabbit;
lean fish;
buckwheat and rice porridge;
legumes;
walnuts and almonds.

You should completely exclude products that contain preservatives: sausage (especially raw smoked sausage), smoked and dried fish, stewed meat and canned food.

By getting rid of these bad habits, you can not only achieve stabilization of the platelet index, but also preserve the health of the unborn child, protecting him from intrauterine developmental defects.

Other ways to increase platelets

Doctors noticed that at different times the number of platelets in the blood is released differently. Therefore, it is important to maintain a sleep and rest schedule. Their concentration in the blood is highest in the morning, therefore, it is important to get a good night's sleep and rest. Do not ignore walks in the fresh air, which will strengthen your muscles and also improve blood circulation.

The most radical way to increase the level of anucleate cells is a blood transfusion. Donated blood rich in platelets is taken and injected into the vein of the pregnant woman, constantly monitoring her condition. This measure is forced, since it is carried out exclusively at low levels that are dangerous to the life of the mother and child.

Consequences of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy

Lack of competent and timely treatment of pathological platelet deficiency can lead to termination of pregnancy. In this case, the period of gestation of the child does not matter.

Low platelets during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of bleeding during childbirth. In addition, the likelihood of bleeding of internal organs in a newborn baby increases. A cerebral hemorrhage poses a threat to life.

Therefore, at the stage of bearing a baby, it is important to adjust the platelet count as much as possible. The question of the need for a cesarean section is decided solely by the attending physician based on the patient’s medical history and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Symptoms and consequences

To identify pathology, it is not necessary to wait for routine diagnostics. A woman may suspect this problem based on how she feels and some external manifestations.

Thrombocytopenia is indicated by symptoms such as:

hemorrhages under the skin - expressed in the appearance of bright scarlet spots (usually on the legs and arms), directly under the epidermis layer under the influence of mechanical action;
the formation of hematomas - and bruises form in various places for no good reason;
bleeding gums and nose;
the appearance of black stools;
uterine bleeding;
the appearance of a small rash of tiny bruises.

In addition, the pregnant woman’s well-being significantly worsens, weakness and dizziness are possible, and dyspeptic manifestations are likely. If you pay attention to the accompanying syndromes in time and identify the disease, it will be easy to increase the level of platelets in the blood, the treatment will have a good effect and prevent the development of dangerous complications. Otherwise, the consequences may be irreversible.

In an advanced form of the disease, with a significant decrease in indicators, it is possible:

development of fetal hypoxia;
intrauterine developmental delay;
frozen pregnancy;
miscarriage and premature birth;
the occurrence of heavy bleeding during childbirth.

The risks are very high, so it is important to identify the cause of thrombocytopenia in time and eliminate the negative factor.

How to increase platelets during pregnancy?

Pregnancy imposes significant restrictions on the selection of treatment methods for any disease. Because some medications can disrupt the normal intrauterine development of the fetus and lead to mutations. It is important that the doctor selects methods of treating thrombocytopenia. Only in this case will a favorable outcome be achieved, and the risk of side effects will be reduced.

The first step is to determine the cause of thrombocytopenia. Based on this, treatment tactics will be selected.

If the lack of platelets is caused by an insufficient amount of vitamins and other elements in the blood, then vitamin complexes are selected. It should be understood that not only a deficiency of vitamins, but also their excess is dangerous for a woman’s health. Therefore, it is important to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage of vitamin complexes and the duration of the course.

Autoimmune diseases

If there is an autoimmune cause of a decrease in the number of blood cells, the doctor will select drugs that suppress the activity of the immune system. The need to suppress immunity is explained by the improper production of protective antibodies against one’s own healthy cells. The exact cause of erroneous antibody synthesis has not been established.

If thrombocytopenia in pregnant women is caused by an infectious infection, then a course of antimicrobial therapy is carried out. After suppressing the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms, blood counts return to normal values.

Bleeding

Since one of the reasons for a decrease in platelets is hidden internal bleeding, they should be excluded during diagnosis. An acceptable method of examination is ultrasound examination of internal organs. Magnetic resonance imaging is not performed on pregnant patients.

Along with the prescribed treatment methods, a woman should pay attention to her diet. You should avoid fatty, smoked and highly salty foods. Preference should be given to dietary types of meat, liver, seafood, eggs, fruits and vegetables, as well as currants, rose hips and raspberries.

To summarize, important points should be emphasized:

the role of platelets in the body is determined by their ability to be activated when the vascular wall is damaged with the formation of a primary thrombus;
Without enough platelets in a woman's body, the risk of bleeding increases significantly. What is especially dangerous during childbirth;
normal values of the indicator when carrying a child are lower than in non-pregnant women. This should be taken into account when deciphering the analysis results;
single deviations from the norm have low diagnostic significance. The reason for such results may be neglect of the rules for preparing for the study or violation of the analysis algorithm;
correction of pathological thrombocytopenia is carried out exclusively by the attending physician. After completing the course of treatment, a repeat test is performed to confirm complete recovery of platelet levels.

Treatment methods for thrombocytopenia

How to increase platelet levels in the blood? In the vast majority of cases, no specific treatment is required. The blood completely restores its composition after eliminating the underlying disease that caused changes in the analysis. Since the dominant cause of decreased platelets in pregnant women is viral and bacterial infections, to improve the indicators, it is necessary to cure the disease and wait for the recovery period. If the number of platelets does not return to normal for a long time or there is a chronic disease that causes their constant decrease, the doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy.

The basis of treatment is a special diet. For thrombocytopenia, it is necessary to provide a diet with sufficient calorie content and a high amount of nutrients. Your daily diet should include foods high in vitamins and minerals:

fresh vegetables and fruits (apples, beets, cabbage),
eggs (1 piece per day),
legumes,
mushrooms,
nuts,
meat and fish products with reduced fat content,
dairy and fermented milk products,
seafood and seaweed,
all types of greens.

It is not recommended to adhere to diets that limit the nutritional and energy value of the diet, reduce the consumption of healthy fats and refuse organic foods. At the same time, smoked meats, fast food, canned food and foods that are highly likely to provoke the development of allergies (chocolate, citrus fruits) are not recommended. Such nutrition will provide the body with a sufficient amount of vitamin C, iron, folic acid, zinc, vitamin B12 and other valuable microelements.

A pregnant woman must maintain an adequate drinking regime with a sufficient amount of clean water, compotes, fruit drinks and weak herbal teas. Consumption of caffeinated drinks and cocoa is not recommended.

However, with pathological thrombocytopenia, diet alone will not be enough. For severe allergic reactions, corticosteroids and immunoglobulins may be needed to increase platelet counts. Critically low rates require hospitalization and intravenous administration of drugs. For bleeding of any etiology, the doctor can prescribe hemostatic agents in any form. Among them: aminocaproic acid, sodium etamsylate, calcium chloride, etc. The choice of drug is made exclusively by the attending physician, with mandatory consideration of possible risks for the unborn child. Self-medication is unacceptable. In winter and spring, a course of specialized multivitamin complexes is recommended. In especially severe cases, a blood transfusion procedure is required.