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Elevated platelets in pregnant women. Elevated levels of platelet cells. Complications of thrombocytopenia

The period of bearing a child is perhaps the most beautiful and long-awaited time for every woman. Due to the fact that the body is undergoing many changes at this stage, the expectant mother should be regularly examined by a specialist.

The most common procedure is a complete blood count. One of the most important is considered such an indicator as platelets during pregnancy.

It is necessary to be examined in order to be able to timely identify deviations that are dangerous not only for the woman, but also for her unborn child.

Description of cells

Platelets are very thin blood discs that are involved in the process of blood clotting. Their peculiarity lies in the ability to stick together with each other in the event of a cut or wound.

As a result of this process, clots are formed that clog the vessels, which prevents the blood from escaping in large quantities. Against this background, a crust appears on the surface of the skin. If it is removed, the bleeding may reopen.

In addition, platelets perform a protective function, protecting the body from the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

They contribute to the formation of the immune system and are regularly updated.

The number of platelets in the blood is a temporary indicator. Depending on the influence of internal and external factors, it changes all the time. For example, it fluctuates during pregnancy and during the menstrual cycle.

The indicator is normal

The number of platelets in a pregnant woman is an important indicator that should always be monitored. During the bearing of a child, it can decrease due to the fact that there is an increase in blood volume and the formation of a placental circle of blood flow. The average volume that is considered normal in pregnant women is approximately 140-340 thousand / μl.

The indicator depends on the timing of pregnancy. The norm of platelets in the blood:

  • 1 trimester - 170-340 thousand / μl;
  • 2nd trimester - 160-330;
  • 3rd trimester - 140-320.

After childbirth, some changes are observed in the female body, the main task of which is to reduce blood loss. It does this by increasing coagulability. After the postpartum period ends, all indicators return to normal.

Reasons for an increase or decrease

In some cases, there is a decrease or increase in the number of these blood cells. There can be many reasons for this. The main factors that provoke low platelets include:

  • the occurrence of an allergic reaction;
  • intrauterine fetal death;
  • viral diseases;
  • malnutrition, which leads to insufficient intake of vitamin B12 and folate;
  • drug intoxication;
  • long-term use of antibiotics;
  • obstetric bleeding caused, for example, by placental abruption;
  • autoimmune thrombocytopenia;
  • neuropathic conditions;
  • increased death of red blood cells, the cause of which is a violation of the hormonal background.

In some cases, a low level of these cells can be observed with physiological factors. In this case, no special treatment is required. However, it is important to monitor performance at all times. For this, a blood test is taken regularly.

There is also a secondary form of the pathological condition, in which there is a decrease in platelets. In this case, the cause may be radiation, toxic poisoning.

Among the factors that contribute to the appearance of elevated platelets, the following are distinguished:

  • pathology of the circulatory system;
  • predisposition to thrombosis;
  • phlebeurysm;
  • allergic reactions;
  • lack of iron in the body;
  • the formation of malignant neoplasms;
  • taking certain medicines;
  • infectious diseases;
  • pathology of the autoimmune system;
  • increased toxicosis in the initial stages of pregnancy.

Sometimes a high level of cells is noted with a lack of fluid in the body.

Symptoms

Regardless of the fact that the diagnosis is made only on the basis of the obtained test results, in most cases, deviations can be suspected by the appearance of certain signs.

If platelets have fallen, then symptoms such as:

  • the formation of bruises on the body, which can lead to even minor exposure to the skin;
  • small rashes;
  • bleeding gums in the process of carrying out hygienic procedures for oral care;
  • nosebleeds;
  • with damage to the skin;
  • dark color of feces;
  • bloody discharge from the organs of the reproductive system.

The symptomatology of an elevated cell level is in many ways similar to the signs of thrombocytopenia. This is due to the fact that, despite the various factors that become provocateurs for the development of these pathological conditions, the manifestation is common: blood cells in the vessels begin to be distributed unevenly.

To prevent negative consequences that can be dangerous for both the pregnant woman and the fetus, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of platelets in the body.

What tests are needed

To control the composition of the blood, certain laboratory tests are carried out. Only after the biological material has been fully studied, a diagnosis is made: a low or high level of platelets in a pregnant woman.

Diagnosis consists in carrying out such examinations as:

  • general examination of the patient by a gynecologist, therapist or hematologist;
  • a blood test to determine the number of blood plates, and serum iron;
  • ultrasound examination of internal organs.

If necessary, a bone marrow biopsy may also be ordered.

Sometimes there are situations in which there is low clotting or a tendency to form blood clots, despite a positive blood test. In this case, the patient is sent for a coagulogram.

This research method determines the level of cell aggregation, that is, their ability to connect with collagen. Normally, this figure should be from 30 to 60 percent.

To obtain the most accurate results, it is necessary to prepare well for the delivery of material for analysis. It is important that blood is taken on an empty stomach. For a couple of days, it is recommended to exclude the use of medications that can negatively affect the number of platelets in the blood.

In addition, it is better to refuse the analysis if, within three days before the study, an injury was received, accompanied by bleeding, or there was a burn.

Treatment of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis

The tactics of therapeutic actions will be selected based on the diagnosis. In any case, complex treatment will be required to correct the situation.

Medical therapy

The most dangerous period for low platelets is the third trimester of pregnancy. Treatment in this case should be aimed at eliminating the cause that provoked a decrease in the number of cells.

To increase the number of blood plates, use the following drugs:

  • glucocorticosteroids, the course of which can be both systemic and short-term;
  • immunoglobulins for intravenous administration;
  • platelet mass, which is prescribed for a complicated course of a pathological condition.

If conservative methods of therapy do not bring a positive result, a method is used in which the spleen is removed using laparoscopy.

If an elevated platelet count is diagnosed, drugs such as:

  • coagulants;
  • antiplatelet agents.

If thrombocytosis is not compatible with gestation, the doctor suggests that the patient terminate the pregnancy.

If there is a slight deviation upwards from the norm, then there is no need for special treatment. So the body can respond to the uteroplacental circulation.

diet

An equally important role for the normalization of blood plates is played by the nutrition of the expectant mother. To raise the level of platelets, you must follow some recommendations:

  1. Include in the diet a large amount of beets and juice from it.
  2. There is a lot of sesame oil. It can be added to vegetable salads. This product regulates platelet levels and improves blood clotting.
  3. Control iron levels. The daily norm should be about 30 milligrams. Experts advise eating buckwheat, beef, liver.
  4. Every day there are foods that contain a lot of vitamin B12 and folic acid. It can be meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, eggs.
  5. Take ascorbic acid.

In addition, to normalize the reduced number of cells, it is good to drink rosehip tea, as well as nettle decoction.

With an increase in the indicator, it is necessary to include in the diet products such as:

  • juice (can be prepared from cranberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, apples or lingonberries);
  • olive or linseed oil;
  • mackerel and other fatty fish;
  • garlic;
  • legumes and cereals;
  • milk and products from it;
  • greenery.

It is forbidden to use:

  • bananas;
  • pomegranate juice;
  • rose hip;
  • lentils;
  • Walnut;
  • mango.

An important role is played by the flow of fluid into the body. Per day, the permissible minimum norm for a pregnant woman is at least one and a half liters of clean water.

Possible Complications

If timely measures are not taken to help normalize the level of platelets, this can lead to sad consequences.

Deviation from the norm in a large direction leads to:

  • delayed fetal development in the prenatal period;
  • the threat of miscarriage;
  • severe toxicosis;
  • varicose veins;
  • thrombosis of the upper and lower extremities;
  • infarction or embolism.

With a low platelet count, complications such as:

  • uncontrolled heavy bleeding;
  • premature birth;
  • thrombocytopenia in a child.

With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, such problems can be avoided.

Prevention

To prevent the development of thrombocytopenia in a pregnant woman, it is important to adhere to certain rules:

  • exclude all factors that can adversely affect the state of immunity;
  • before planning pregnancy, make all the necessary vaccinations against SARS, rubella, chickenpox and other viral infections;
  • refuse certain medications even in the initial stages of bearing a child;
  • adjust nutrition.

To prevent thrombocytosis, the following preventive measures are taken:

  • maintaining an active lifestyle;
  • exclusion from the menu of products that can increase blood viscosity;
  • taking more fluids and food that thins the blood.

It is necessary to control the number of platelets throughout pregnancy. Therefore, it is so important not to neglect regular examinations by specialists and analysis.

The content of the article:

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the concentration of platelets in the blood. Platelets are important blood cells that are responsible for hemocoagulation (blood clotting). In addition, they help heal damaged blood vessels and prevent bleeding. The lack of platelets in the blood is a dangerous phenomenon, especially for a pregnant woman and fetus. What threatens low platelets during childbirth, how to normalize their level?

Basic information about platelets

Platelets are tiny plates of blood that begin their life cycle in the bone marrow. There are 5 forms of maturity of these cells: young, mature, old, etc. The life span of platelets is from 7 to 12 days.

Since these cells are responsible for blood clotting, their main function is to stop hemorrhage. When the integrity of the blood vessel is violated, platelets concentrate in the area of ​​damage and form a plug, preventing bleeding. In the process of coagulation, platelets are activated, and processes with different sizes and shapes appear on their surface.

In addition, platelets saturate vascular cells with nutrients. As a result, they become stronger and more elastic. Also, these cells protect the body from the penetration of pathogens.

A decrease in platelet concentration is a dangerous phenomenon, as the risk of bleeding increases. The condition of blood vessels worsens due to a deficiency of nutrients, as a result they become brittle.

To determine the number of platelets, it is necessary to examine the blood in the laboratory.

The norm of platelets in pregnant women

The rate of platelets in the blood of pregnant women ranges from 140 to 340 thousand / μl, while in an ordinary person it is in the range of 180-400 thousand / μl. Such indicators are considered normal for expectant mothers. The volume of blood increases, as part of it is used to nourish the placenta and fetus, and the level of platelets does not decrease, but is distributed to a larger volume of fluid.

Platelets rise closer to childbirth to provide the necessary fluidity and viscosity of the blood. And from the 28th week, their level is minimal. Immediately after delivery, the platelet count rises to minimize blood loss. After a while, these indicators will normalize.

The rate of platelets depending on the duration of pregnancy:
up to 13 weeks - from 170 to 340 thousand / μl;
from 14 to 27 weeks - from 160 to 330 thousand / μl;
from 28 to 40 weeks - from 140 to 320 thousand / μl.

It is necessary to decide how to increase platelets in the blood during pregnancy if their concentration is below 140 thousand / μl.

Doctors remind that it is necessary to pay attention to the percentage of platelets. After all, often with certain diseases, the number of young cells increases, which are not yet able to function normally. In this case, the analysis will show that the concentration of platelets is high, but blood clotting will be reduced.

Causes and signs of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women

Factors affecting the development of thrombocytopenia:
allergic reactions;
infectious diseases of viral or bacterial origin;
lack of vitamins and minerals;
anemia, which arose as a result of a deficiency of the element B9 or B12;
late toxicosis;
hyper- or hypothyroidism;
hemorrhage;
functional failure of the kidneys;
poor blood clotting;
bone marrow aplasia;
oncological diseases in the bone marrow;
chronic hepatitis;
Limban-Sachs disease;
benign thrombocytopenia;
taking medicines that change the composition of the blood (painkillers, antihistamines, some antibacterial drugs, etc.).
All of the above diseases and conditions are associated with bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is a dangerous condition that can be identified by external signs:
bruises appear on the body, even after ordinary pressing;
accumulations of small hemorrhages appear on the skin;
if the integrity of the skin is damaged, blood bleeds for a long time;
the feces become very dark, and this is a sign of internal bleeding;
discharge with blood (not monthly);
gums bleed.

Very low platelets before childbirth is a dangerous condition, and therefore, if the above symptoms appear, contact a hematologist immediately.

Treatment of thrombocytopenia and childbirth

Before prescribing drugs, the doctor must find out the reasons for the decrease in platelet levels. Most often, the minimum indicators appear at 28-38 weeks of pregnancy, this condition is not dangerous for the woman and the fetus. It is important to identify the disease in time and treat it with drugs that thicken the blood and strengthen blood vessels. Also, the expectant mother should follow a diet that includes vegetables and berries with a high content of ascorbic acid.

Childbirth with low platelets is not prohibited if there are no complications. Often their level rises on their own, without the use of drugs, the main thing is that the pregnant woman follows the doctor's recommendations.

It is forbidden to give birth with low platelets if their level is below 40 thousand / μl. It is important to identify the cause of their decline and begin to treat it, only in this way it will be possible to restore hemostasis.

What medicine can raise platelets before childbirth? Treatment of thrombocytopenia is carried out with the use of glucocorticosteroids (hormonal drugs). Expectant mothers are prescribed Dexamethasone or Prednisolone in the form of tablets or injections. The course of treatment is usually short, and the dose is gradually reduced.

If hormonal preparations were ineffective, then immunoglobulins are used. Usually the drug is used once, but in some cases the doctor may administer the drug 2 or 3 times for the entire period. In some cases, in order to normalize the level of platelets, a transfusion of platelet concentrate is performed.

If conservative treatment was powerless, then surgery is necessary. The surgeon laparoscopically removes the spleen, in which platelets accumulate. Then vitamins B9 and B12 are introduced into the woman's body. Anticoagulants are prescribed to prevent thrombus formation.

Complications of thrombocytopenia

Timely detected thrombocytopenia is easily treatable, but in the absence of proper therapy, dangerous complications can occur.

Consequences of thrombocytopenia during childbirth:

Profuse internal bleeding;
spontaneous abortion;
childbirth at 22–37 weeks of gestation;
hemorrhage in the brain of a newborn (when using forceps);
thrombocytopenia is transmitted to the child.

Thus, thrombocytopenia during childbirth is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical intervention and constant monitoring. The expectant mother must strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor in order for the birth to be successful.

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Pregnancy is the most desired and reverent time for every woman. Since many processes for the emergence of a new life take place in her body, it is necessary to regularly undergo an examination by a doctor. The most common is the surrender procedure. This is necessary in order to track the appearance of a variety of abnormalities that can harm the mother or fetus. One of the important indicators, which is also examined by doctors, is platelets during pregnancy (volume).

Platelets enter, their function is to coagulate. In simpler terms, these are cells due to which the blood freezes and forms a crust if damage occurs on the skin so that the body does not lose a lot of blood.

However, if this crust is torn off, the blood will begin to flow again until a new one is formed. In addition, platelets also perform a protective function, preventing harmful microorganisms from entering the blood, they are an important structural unit of immunity.

However, their life is short-lived - they exist for about a week, after which they are replaced by new, young cells, and the old ones are utilized in the spleen.

Norm

Like the number of other blood cells, during pregnancy it is determined by passing a general analysis.

Platelet levels during pregnancy decrease as blood volume increases. At the same time, the lower rate of the norm remains at 140 thousand / ml, and the upper one at 340 thousand / ml.

The longer the pregnancy lasts, the fewer of these cells in the woman's body. However, at the very last moment, when the number of days before childbirth becomes less and less, the number of these cells begins to grow rapidly. After childbirth, the blood begins to clot quickly and efficiently to minimize the loss of blood of the woman in labor. Gradually, the level of platelets and blood composition return to normal.

Of course, pregnancy does not always go smoothly, and blood cells behave as expected. If there are too many platelets, they can form clots and clog blood vessels. It is called . If there are too many of them, then a person can lose a lot of blood even because of trifling wounds and cuts.

Violations in the number of platelets in the blood are not always monitored with the help of tests, because of this, the risk of not noticing the formed pathologies is very high. In these cases, it is carried out, which determines the percentage of platelet production, which is normally 30 to 60 percent. Accordingly, if the indicator is higher, there is a risk of blood clots, if lower - bleeding.

depending on the trimester of pregnancy:

  • For ease of accounting, four groups are distinguished depending on the position of the woman and the trimester order of pregnancy. During. Pregnancy from the first to the last trimester, the lower rate drops from 180 to 140, and the upper one from 400 to 320. That is, at the beginning of pregnancy, the standard value will be 400–180, and at the end 320–140.

downgrade

If , then a disease called thrombocytopenia occurs.

Causes and symptoms

There are many reasons for this behavior of these cells, for example:

  • Allergic reactions.
  • Avitaminosis.
  • Anemia, which can be caused by a lack of certain elements.
  • Disorders of the thyroid gland, kidneys or coagulation system.
  • Cancer diseases.
  • Bleeding of varying severity and nature.
  • Medicines that change the composition of the blood.

Although the diagnosis itself is made only after carrying out certain tests, which were discussed above, the reason for their delivery may appear if you find yourself with such symptoms of thrombocytopenia as:

  • , which can appear even from slight pressure on the skin.
  • The rash is small in size and of various shapes, which can appear on different parts of the body.
  • Seeing blood while brushing your teeth.
  • Blood does not clot when the skin is damaged.
  • The feces are dark, and this is a sign of the presence.
  • Discharge from the genitals appears, having a bloody appearance.

Treatment

In medicine, there are many forms of thrombocytopenia, so you can not prescribe treatment yourself, it is necessary that this be done by an experienced doctor.

If during pregnancy it arose as a result of an infection entering the body, then everything should return to normal after curing it.

If the problem arose as a result of taking some medications, then the way out is very simple and understandable - stopping their use.

If the problem arose due to a malfunction of the internal organs that are responsible for the production of hormones and antibodies (kidneys, liver, thyroid gland), then the doctor will prescribe a treatment that will help restore the normal functioning of these organs.

If the problem is related to a lack of some vitamins in the body, then compliance can help here. Not many people know about this, but in vain, because pregnant women should not include smoked and canned foods in their diet, everything that contains acetic and citric acid. A list of what expectant mothers should definitely eat: fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and berries, legumes, meat, fish, mushrooms, eggs.

The disease has an autoimmune type, in which the body itself does not allow the production of new and destroys old platelets.

In this case, the treatment will also be special:

  • The doctor will prescribe corticosteroid drugs, angioprotectors and immunoglobulins.
  • Prescribe a special diet.
  • In some cases, they are appointed.

Reduced platelets during pregnancy are very dangerous for the body, so if any of its symptoms are found, then you need to seek the help of a specialist who will figure out the causes and concomitant treatment.


If you do not receive the necessary treatment on time, then complications may develop, which, in particular, include:

  • hypoxia ();
  • violations in the development of the embryo;
  • increases the likelihood of miscarriage and premature birth;
  • the possibility of losing a very large amount of blood during and after childbirth.

Raise

It is called thrombocytosis. Its striking manifestation is that the number of platelets during pregnancy in the blood is too high, so they tend to stick together, and sticky platelets form blood clots. Such a diagnosis is made to patients whose platelet level exceeds the upper limit - 400 thousand / μl.

It was previously mentioned that immediately before childbirth, the number of these blood cells rises to avoid heavy bleeding, and this is not a pathology in the absence of symptoms of the corresponding disease.

Causes

A striking sign of pregnancy, by which almost all women think about its presence, is toxicosis, which also contributes to blood clots. However, the appearance of thrombocytosis in the second and third trimester is already a dangerous bell, which can be caused by such reasons:

  • Inadequate fluid intake and excessive sweating.
  • Viral, fungal, infectious and bacterial diseases.
  • Lack of blood, which occurs as a result of a lack of iron.
  • Cancer diseases of the internal organs.
  • Taking certain medications.

Symptoms

Basically, the symptoms of elevated platelets during pregnancy are similar to those that occur with thrombocytopenia, since both diseases disrupt the functioning of blood vessels and they cease to fully cope with their duties. But in any case, if such symptoms are detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor very urgently.

Signs of the presence of the disease are:

  • The occurrence of bruising even with slight pressure on the skin.
  • Small rash on various parts of the body.
  • Bleeding periodically occurs from the nose and gums.
  • The stool is darker than usual.
  • The skin is painfully pale.
  • Fingertips numb and tingle.
  • Blood does not clot even with minor skin lesions.
  • Pressure increased or decreased.
  • Periodic or constant pain in the head.
  • Emergence.

Since the blood during thrombocytosis is too thick, the specialist prescribes drugs that help return it to its normal state. The dosage of drugs is calculated based on the individual characteristics of the mother's body and the risk to the embryo.

As in any treatment, a special diet is provided, which includes various types of vegetable oil, onions, garlic, fish oil and others, such as foods that contain iodine: buckwheat, caviar, avocados and much more.


In addition, a young mother should not eat those foods that can increase the level of platelets in the blood, such as bananas, walnuts and others.

In addition to eating the necessary products, you need to drink more than 2 liters of water or green tea every day. Drinking acidic drinks will also not harm the body.

At a time when few people trust the specialists of budgetary institutions and do not have the means to visit private clinics, people prefer to resort to various methods of thickening or thinning blood in traditional medicine. No one denies that such remedies are good and effective, because, in fact, traditional medicine is an echo of the ways in which our great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers were treated.

But there is one huge exception, as with all rules. It is assumed that various infusions will not harm men and women who are not in a position, however, for expectant mothers, the use of such methods of treatment is associated with a great risk for her and for the child.

Possible complications and consequences

If you have noticed any deviations in the condition, such as the symptoms described above, then you should immediately contact a specialist who deals with your problem - a hematologist. With thrombocytosis, the likelihood of thrombus formation increases many times over, which can lead to various consequences. In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman is at risk of miscarriage, and in subsequent semesters, disturbances in the development of the embryo.

In addition to the immediate danger to the body of the mother and child, there is a risk for the woman herself, since an increased level of platelets leads to varicose veins and other diseases of the vessels of the legs. Among other things, the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks increases several times.

From the foregoing, we can make a general conclusion that the level of platelets during pregnancy in the blood is an extremely important indicator that determines the health of a pregnant woman.

Since in the initial stages, when the disease has not yet manifested itself so strongly, the treatment will be most effective, you should not ignore possible symptoms and postpone a visit to the doctor. After all, this threatens not one life, but two at once.

Video - Why platelet levels are falling:

The expectation of a baby is marked by new troubles, anxieties and aspirations. A pregnant woman needs to monitor not only her health, but also control the condition and development of the unborn child. That is why during all nine months it is necessary to constantly undergo medical examinations and take tests. In the normal course of pregnancy, the blood is examined 3-4 times (at the end of each trimester and just before the birth). And if any deviations are found, this will have to be done much more often. Laboratory tests are quite informative and provide comprehensive information about the slightest violations in the body of the expectant mother. Since there is a risk of bleeding during the gestation period, special attention is paid to determining the level of platelets during pregnancy.

The norm of platelets during pregnancy

Platelets are classified as blood cells that play a key role in coagulation and nonspecific defense reactions of the body. In addition, the hemostasis system largely depends on them, the function of which is to maintain the blood in a liquid state, prevent the formation of blood clots and protect the walls of blood vessels from damage. Platelets are produced by bone marrow cells, and their level is determined by passing a general blood test. Based on its results, one can judge whether there is a deviation from the norm and how serious it is. Any fluctuations in the indicator indicate an inflammatory process in the body or a latent disease.

For a more detailed study of the hemostasis system, a coagulogram is used. This blood test makes it possible to find out the specifics of clotting disorders in pregnant women, as well as to identify many complications, which, in turn, makes it possible to determine the optimal treatment. Blood is taken from a vein, the procedure is done in the morning on an empty stomach.

The norm of platelets during pregnancy is considered to be from 150 to 400 thousand / μl, however, in approximately 8% of cases, its slight decrease is observed. But if the platelet level is below 140 thousand / μl, it can be assumed that there is a pathological process in the body.

Violation of the level of platelets in the blood during pregnancy

With a significant decrease in the level of cells responsible for blood clotting (in other words, if the blood becomes too "liquid"), they speak of thrombocytopenia. This condition threatens the health of the pregnant woman. With thrombocytopenia, the vessels lose their elasticity, they become fragile, so there is a risk of internal bleeding.

To assume that platelets are low during pregnancy, it is not necessary to take a blood test. If bruises appear on the body for no apparent reason that do not go away for a long time, the gums bleed, nosebleeds often occur, or it is simply difficult to stop the blood at the slightest cut, doctors diagnose thrombocytopenia.

A decrease in the number of platelets in the blood during pregnancy can be caused by many reasons, including:

  • allergic reactions;
  • Consequences of viral or bacterial infections;
  • Severe form of late toxicosis;
  • Poor quality food;
  • Taking certain medications (diuretic, antirheumatic, antibacterial drugs);
  • Severe forms of endocrine and autoimmune diseases;
  • Folic acid deficiency.

If the level of platelets during pregnancy is low, immediate treatment is necessary. The state of thrombocytopenia is especially dangerous in the last months of gestation, since against its background the risk of bleeding during childbirth increases. If the baby has a low level of platelets, it threatens him with internal hemorrhages.

To improve the production of platelets during pregnancy, it is recommended to use infusions that strengthen blood vessels (nettle, rose hips), as well as an increase in the amount of foods high in vitamin C in the diet (apples, black currants, cabbage, bell peppers).

When the level of platelets during pregnancy is increased, blood clotting occurs. The reasons for this are most often cited as:

  • Dehydration caused by limited fluid intake, frequent vomiting or loose stools;
  • Diseases that entail a secondary increase in the number of platelets;
  • antiphospholipid syndrome.

It should be noted that if platelets are elevated during pregnancy, but in general it develops safely, it can be assumed that this is a completely natural process associated with the formation of the placental-uterine circulation. This condition should not cause concern. However, if the coaguologram showed a significant increase in the number of platelets, there may be a serious disorder in the body called thrombocytosis (a disease in which there is a high probability of blood clots forming and subsequent blockage of blood vessels).

The danger of increased blood clotting lies in the high probability of spontaneous miscarriages at any gestation period. 4.7 out of 5 (29 votes)

The delivery of a blood test is a mandatory study throughout the entire period of gestation. Any deviations should alert the attending physician. However, it is not uncommon for minor changes in one or two parameters to be a variant of the norm. Under what conditions are platelets low during pregnancy and when should I be concerned?

Platelets are small blood cells that are responsible for coagulation and the possibility of regenerating damaged tissues. During pregnancy, platelets play a significant role in the normal functioning of the placenta, their normal level contributes to the flow of nutrients from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus. The platelet rate during pregnancy ranges from 180-380 thousand / μl. Minor deviations from these indicators do not cause concern among doctors. However, a persistent significant increase or decrease in parameters necessitates diagnostics.

It should be remembered that a single analysis will never give a complete picture of the state of health. A low level of platelets is often recorded with improper sampling, long-term storage of the material, and malnutrition. Also, the results can be affected by severe stress, poisoning, excessive physical and psychological stress of a pregnant woman. To talk about pathology, you should donate blood at least 2-3 times.

If the platelet level is fixed below 130-140, this may indicate the presence of serious diseases:

  • ARVI or inflammatory process;
  • HIV infection;
  • endocrine disorders;
  • internal bleeding;
  • Iron-deficiency anemia;
  • lupus erythematosus;
  • intrauterine fetal death;
  • leukemia or other blood diseases.

However, most often the situation looks much more banal. Decreased platelets during pregnancy are determined by:

  • late gestosis;
  • some types of allergic reactions;
  • lack of vitamins and minerals (in particular folic acid and zinc);
  • the use of certain medications.

In addition, in late pregnancy, there is a physiological decrease in platelets to the level of 140 thousand / μl. For an accurate diagnosis, a woman will need to pass several specific tests, possibly resorting to instrumental methods of examination. Having excluded all pathologies, the doctor prescribes corrective nutrition and the intake of multivitamin complexes and dietary supplements.

Symptoms and consequences

To detect pathology, it is not necessary to wait for a planned diagnosis. A woman may suspect this problem by her well-being and some external manifestations.

Symptoms of thrombocytopenia include:

  • hemorrhages under the skin - expressed in the appearance of bright scarlet spots (more often on the legs and arms), directly under the layer of the epidermis 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 state of health of the pregnant woman worsens significantly, 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 give a good effect and prevent the development of dangerous complications. Otherwise, the consequences may be irreversible.

In the 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 severe bleeding during childbirth.

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

Methods for the treatment of thrombocytopenia

How to increase the level of platelets in the blood? In the vast majority of cases, no specific treatment is required. Blood completely restores its composition after the elimination of the underlying disease that caused changes in the analysis. Since the dominant cause of a decrease in platelets in pregnant women is viral and bacterial infections, in order to improve performance, it is necessary to cure the disease and wait for the recovery period. In the event that the number of platelets does not return to normal for a long time or there is a chronic disease that causes them to constantly decrease, the doctor prescribes appropriate therapy.

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

  • fresh vegetables and fruits (apples, beets, cabbage),
  • eggs (1 pc per day),
  • legumes,
  • mushrooms,
  • nuts,
  • meat and fish products with reduced fat content,
  • dairy and dairy products,
  • seafood and seaweed,
  • all kinds of greenery.

It is not recommended to follow diets that limit the nutritional and energy value of the diet, reduce the intake of healthy fats and refuse organic foods. At the same time, smoked meats, fast food, canned food and products 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 trace elements.

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

However, with pathological thrombocytopenia, diet alone will not be enough. In severe allergic reactions, corticosteroids and immunoglobulins may be needed to increase platelet count. Critically low rates require hospitalization and intravenous administration of drugs. With bleeding of any etiology, hemostatic agents in any form can be prescribed by a doctor. Among them: aminocaproic acid, sodium etamsylate, calcium chloride, etc. The choice of the drug is carried out exclusively by the attending physician, with the obligatory 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 severe cases, a blood transfusion procedure is required.

Elevated platelets

Along with a low level of platelets in pregnant women, the reverse pathology is often recorded, called thrombocytosis, when more than 400 thousand / μl of blood plates are recorded in the blood. Elevated platelets during pregnancy are often diagnosed with dehydration, severe toxicosis, violation of the drinking regimen, and malnutrition. The condition is characterized by the formation of blood clots within the choroid plexuses.

Among the causes of thrombocytosis are:

  • genetic failures;
  • autoimmune diseases;
  • phlebeurysm;
  • haemorrhoids;
  • severe allergic reactions;
  • blood diseases;
  • oncological diseases;
  • latent and chronic infections;
  • taking drugs that increase blood clotting.

Thrombocytosis is especially dangerous in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus grows rapidly and the need for nutrients increases. Due to the increased viscosity of the blood, blood clots may form in the vessels of the umbilical cord, which can lead to severe forms of oxygen and food starvation in the unborn baby. The risk of premature birth and the appearance of a child with various congenital pathologies is high.

Conditions when platelets are physiologically elevated during pregnancy are recorded quite rarely, therefore treatment with one diet is impossible. With proven thrombocytosis, the doctor prescribes drugs that help thin the blood, as well as drugs aimed at curing the underlying disease that caused the development of the disease. The therapy has an integrated approach and is characterized by a high duration. To achieve a positive effect, constant monitoring and prevention is required.

A normal platelet level is a prerequisite for comfortable gestation and easy childbirth. If platelets are low during pregnancy or a significant increase is recorded, emergency drug therapy and a special diet are required. This will help to get rid of unwanted consequences and maintain the health of the mother and child.