Symptoms of Low Platelets in Pregnancy

During the pregnancy phase, monitoring platelet counts is very important, as low platelet counts can lead to many risks. In some cases, the doctors have to alter the delivery plan due to the diagnosis of low platelet count during pregnancy.

If you're considering the significance of platelets, it's essential to understand their role in managing bleeding and facilitating the closure of blood vessel plugs alongside other factors. Maintaining a balanced platelet count is crucial, as both excessive and low levels can profoundly affect the body, especially during pregnancy. Additionally, considering stem cell banking can be advantageous in safeguarding potential future health concerns for both the mother and the child.

Symptoms of Low Platelets in Pregnancy

Here are the symptoms that can help your doctor analyse the low levels of platelet during pregnancy checkups:

• Fatigue and nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums or blood in urine
• Gestational thrombocytopenia
• Petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin)
• Excessive bruising
• Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts

Potential Causes of Low Platelet Count During Pregnancy

It is not uncommon for platelet levels to decrease in pregnant women. It happens due to hormonal and physical changes in the body. Besides, after anemia, gestational thrombocytopenia is the second most common condition that occurs in pregnancy.

The platelet count during the pregnancy period goes down, and after a few weeks of delivery, the platelet levels are restored to normal. That's what is called gestational thrombocytopenia.

And here's why it happens: during the pregnancy, the body produces more plasma, increasing blood volume and hemodilution. Now, hemodilution refers to having the same number of platelets in an increased blood volume. So, ultimately, the platelet count during pregnancy per microliter of blood goes down.

Another reason for the low level of platelets is the increased spleen. The spleen increases due to increased blood volume, and when an enlarged spleen filters the blood, it destroys the platelet quickly. Also, lower levels of folic acid may be the culprit behind low platelet count in pregnancy.

Risks For the Mother and The Baby

While having lower platelet levels is normal, it is essential to maintain the levels through supplements or diet because there can be risks for both the baby and mother, like: 

• The doctors might be unable to provide an epidural during labor because of epidural hematoma, abnormal blood collection in the spine damaging the spinal cord. 
• Increased bleeding during delivery. 
• Premature delivery if it is due to severe preeclampsia.

Pregnancy Tips for Low Platelet Count 

During pregnancy checkups, the doctor might suggest taking folate or vitamin B12 supplements to improve platelet production. As a part of pregnancy tips, here are some food items you can include in your pregnancy diet to  boost platelet levels:

• Dark chocolate 
• leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale 
• Black-eyed peas and lentils 
• Eggs 
• Fortified breakfast cereals 
• Fortified dairy alternatives 
• Produce rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, brussels sprouts, and red peppers

Wrapping up

Pregnancy is one of the exciting times, and instead of worrying about anything, it is better to discuss it with your doctor. While you have calculated your due date with the help of a gestation calculator, have you thought about securing your baby's life from severe diseases? Worry not if that thought concerns you because stem cell banking has your back. With an ability to treat 80+ diseases, connect with Cryoviva experts to learn more about it.