Gestational thrombocytopenia

Gestational thrombocytopenia is a condition that occurs in pregnancy, characterized by a lower than normal platelet count. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding.

Overview

Gestational thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women, affecting about 5-8% of pregnancies. It usually occurs in the third trimester and resolves spontaneously after delivery. The condition is generally considered benign and typically does not pose a risk to either the mother or the baby.

Causes

The exact cause of gestational thrombocytopenia is unknown. However, it is believed to be a result of the changes in the body's blood volume and the speed at which platelets are produced and destroyed during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Most women with gestational thrombocytopenia do not experience any symptoms. The condition is often discovered during routine blood tests. In rare cases, women may experience excessive or prolonged bleeding after delivery or after a C-section.

Diagnosis

Gestational thrombocytopenia is diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the number of platelets in the blood. If the platelet count is below 150,000 per microliter of blood, a woman is considered to have thrombocytopenia.

Treatment

In most cases, no treatment is necessary for gestational thrombocytopenia as the condition usually resolves on its own after childbirth. If the platelet count drops too low, or if there is a risk of bleeding, treatment may be necessary. Treatment options include Corticosteroids, IVIG, and platelet transfusion.

See also

• Thrombocytopenia
• Pregnancy
• Platelet