Norms of platelets in the blood during pregnancy, causes of deviations

A woman’s body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy in order to support the developing baby. Blood platelet counts are a crucial component of health to keep an eye on. Blood clotting is facilitated by platelets, which is vital for limiting excessive bleeding, particularly during childbirth.

During pregnancy, normal platelet counts can vary slightly. While some variation is normal, notable departures could indicate possible health issues. For example, low platelet counts may raise the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding, whereas high levels may indicate other underlying problems.

Expectant mothers can maintain better health by being aware of the normal range of platelet counts and knowing what could cause deviations. It’s crucial to understand when to consult a doctor and how to handle any changes that may arise during this crucial period.

Platelet counts can vary during pregnancy, so it’s critical to know what’s typical and what isn’t. Low or excessive platelet counts can cause complications for the mother and child because they aid in blood clotting. A decrease in platelets is normal, but larger variations may indicate problems such as clotting disorders or preeclampsia. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy can be facilitated by identifying the causes and understanding when to consult a doctor.

What is it?

The name "blood platelets" does not happen by accident. When they injure themselves, they literally seal off the area where the body can lose a significant amount of blood. It was thought a few decades ago that platelets had reached the end of their useful lives. But after an injury, wound, or surgery, contemporary medical professionals and scientists have discovered that platelets not only form a blood clot but also aid in tissue healing and restoration. They accomplish this by secreting unique compounds into injured tissues known as growth factors.

Platelets are a component of the main plug that seals the wound and aid in the blood clotting process. Furthermore, their surface quickens the plasma clotting processes.

Furthermore, platelets serve as helpers for the immune system. Through their interactions with specific immune cells called antibodies, they support immune defense. Both an overabundance and a shortage of platelets in the blood can be fatal to humans. In this instance, platelets’ functionality is just as important as their quantity. A normal number of cells with diminished function can occasionally be seen, resulting in inadequate aggregation and poor blood clotting.

Analysis

Pregnant women are not advised to undergo a separate analysis for platelet content. Throughout the gestation period, a general blood test is performed frequently to accurately determine their number. Should platelet issues be identified, a woman might be advised to undergo further testing to determine which cellular function is lacking or overactive.

These could be intricate coagulation blood tests, such as coagulograms.

Norms for pregnant women

One liter of platelets in the blood of a healthy adult contains about 180–360 * 10 ^ 9 cells. That being said, it makes sense that during pregnancy their quantity would decrease; as the expectant mother’s blood volume rises, so does the concentration of blood platelets. The expectant mother’s blood platelet count reaches its lowest point during the third trimester. The plates’ capacity for intercommunication and aggregation participation both grow at the same time. The body of the expectant mother thus gets ready for the impending birth, since the main goal is to avoid excessive bleeding when the baby is born.

An average platelet volume of 140–340 thousand/μl with an aggregation of 40–60% is thought to be normal for a pregnant woman.

Normal platelet concentration during pregnancy – table:

When a pregnant woman’s blood platelet count exceeds 180–190 thousand/μl at week 12, it is deemed to have a high blood platelet content; when it falls between 110–125 in weeks 34–36, it is considered to have insufficient platelets.

Possible violations – causes

The composition of the blood is not a constant value, its quantitative and qualitative composition directly depends on a variety of reasons and factors, both external and internal. Therefore, the increase or decrease in platelets in the blood of the future mother is not regarded as an independent disease, but is considered as a bright symptom that requires a more detailed trial – why this happened, and how to fix it. An increase in platelets leads to a phenomenon, which people have "thick blood". This is fraught with the emergence and separation of blood clots and the possible death of the mother. The fruit does not receive beneficial substances, because the blood flow in the placenta will be slow.

There is a risk of bleeding due to the decreased platelet content, which will be very challenging to stop. This is particularly risky during the placenta’s birth during childbirth.

Increased content

The increased level of blood plates is discussed if their number exceeds 380 – 400 thousand/μl. In medicine, this phenomenon is called thrombocytosis. Many expectant mothers may wonder why, with an upper threshold of 320-340 thousand / μl, thrombocytosis is diagnosed only closer to 400 thousand / μl. It"s very simple – doctors leave a free "corridor", which may be due to individual physiological characteristics, because the body of each pregnant woman prepares for childbirth with its own "nuances". Therefore, the platelet count of 370 thousand / μl at 36 weeks of pregnancy will not be considered thrombocytosis and will not require any treatment. Thrombocytosis in expectant mothers is often associated with toxicosis. Nausea and vomiting, which often accompany the first trimester, and sometimes return in the third, lead to fluid loss by the body, which in turn immediately affects the composition of the blood – it thickens, the number of blood platelets in it increases.

• Lack of fluid. Some expectant mothers are so afraid of edema that they limit fluid intake to a critical level. The same reasons can cause an increase in platelets in a pregnant woman in the summer, when it is hot outside and sweating is increased.
• Infections. Viral and bacterial diseases also cause an increase in platelets in the blood. Fungal infections can also cause thrombocytosis.
• Chronic diseases. During pregnancy, the load on all organs and systems increases. If a woman has chronic diseases, then their exacerbation is possible. This will also cause an increase in platelets, which are very sensitive to any changes in the body.
• Anemia. Lack of hemoglobin in the blood during pregnancy is not uncommon. But the number of platelets is primarily affected by anemia associated with iron deficiency.
• Oncological diseases. Increased platelet levels often accompany malignant tumors and processes, especially in the hematopoietic system.
• Medicines. Diuretics or hormonal agents that the expectant mother could use affect the increase in the number of blood platelets.

A woman with thrombocytosis may not exhibit any obvious symptoms, but in certain situations, she may have bruises even in response to mild pressure, such as when hematomas form on their own. A small vascular rash, which resembles a small "star" meningococcal rash in appearance, can occasionally develop on the skin.

A woman can infer blood problems from fairly common symptoms like bleeding gums. There could be nosebleeds. Elevated platelets may result in hypotension, headaches, pale skin, tingling and numbness in the fingertips, and shortness of breath.

Decreased content

A drop in platelet count below 140 thousand/μl is referred to as low platelet content. The range for moderate thrombocytopenia is 120–122 thousand/μl. A decrease to less than 110 thousand/μl indicates severe thrombocytopenia.

This poses a risk of miscarriage in the early stages and massive internal or external bleeding in the later stages.

A decrease in platelets can also be brought on by a variety of factors, including:

• Allergic reaction. Any allergy causes a whole cascade of reactions in the body if a woman has an allergic tendency. A decrease in the level of blood platelets is just one of the changes in the composition of the blood. The level of eosinophils will help doctors establish the truth. With allergies, it also turns out to be elevated.
• Vitamin deficiency. Lack of vitamins and essential minerals in the body of the expectant mother, poor nutrition can also be the cause of thrombocytopenia. Especially often, a decrease in platelets develops against the background of a lack of folic acid and vitamin B 12.
• Endocrine disorders. Hormonal imbalance can cause many complications during pregnancy. Especially often, a drop in platelets develops against the background of a lack or excess of thyroid hormones.
• Blood clotting disorders. The number of blood platelets may decrease due to some deviations in various coagulation factors. So, the lack of a thrombin enzyme leads to an excess of platelets, and an excess of fibrinogen – to their lack.
• Bone marrow problems. The composition of the blood changes due to bone marrow hypoplasia or oncological diseases that affect the bone marrow.
• Medicines. Blood blood becomes more “liquid” due to taking antibiotics and diuretics, as well as from antihistamines and painkillers.

Laboratory testing is required to confirm thrombocytopenia, but a vigilant woman can make educated guesses about her condition based on a number of distinguishing symptoms, the primary one being a disruption in blood coagulation.

Even the smallest incision for a female It is challenging enough to stop bleeding; she frequently gets nosebleeds and bruises, neither of which the future mother can remember where they came from.

Lack of platelets in the blood can cause a weak, bloody "smear" from the genitalia in pregnant women, which many misinterpret as a warning that the pregnancy may end. It may persist for a few days, or it may stay constant for weeks, accompanying the expectant mother for nearly the whole pregnancy, if she is not given medical attention targeted at curing the cause.

It’s critical to check platelet counts during pregnancy for the benefit of the unborn child and the mother. Although variations are common, abnormally high or low platelet counts may point to underlying medical conditions that require care.

Significant reductions in platelet counts may result in issues such as heavy bleeding during childbirth. Conversely, elevated platelet counts may indicate clotting disorders, which carry potential risks.

It is advisable to speak with your healthcare provider about any symptoms you observe, such as unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding. Throughout your pregnancy, routine blood tests will help guarantee that your platelet counts stay within a healthy range.

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