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Thrombocytes during pregnancy

15.11.2023

2 min. Reading time

One of the most important parameters to be monitored during pregnancy is the platelet count of the expectant mother. An abnormal thrombocyte count can indicate pregnancy complications and can also be a contraindication for epidural analgesia.

Thrombocytes in pregnancy – norms

Platelets are morphotic elements that are responsible for blood clotting in the human body, among other things. Their number decreases physiologically during pregnancy, but is normally between 150,000 and 450,000. Any deviation from the norm should be checked by a gynaecologist and haematologist and compared with the clinical picture (e.g. symptoms of haemorrhagic diathesis or pre-eclampsia).

Thrombocytes during pregnancy – too low

Too low a thrombocyte level during pregnancy is known as thrombocytopenia. It is a relatively common condition in expectant mothers. It can have various causes. Sometimes it is a benign thrombocytopenia during pregnancy that is related to physiological changes in the expectant mother’s body. Sometimes, however, thrombocytopenia is also a symptom of a serious illness such as HELLP syndrome. In this case, the low platelet count is accompanied by increased liver values, haemolytic anaemia or increased blood pressure. For this reason, if the platelet count is too low during pregnancy, serious causes for this condition must always be ruled out in order to avoid further complications.

Thrombocytes during pregnancy – too high

An excessively high platelet level during pregnancy is known as hyperplasia. It occurs less frequently than thrombocytopenia during this period. An increased platelet count can be associated with situations such as infections or iron deficiency. Hyperplasia can also occur in the context of malignant diseases. If hypercapnia is diagnosed, anticoagulant treatment is indicated, e.g. with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid. Heparins are recommended in the perinatal period, as the period of pregnancy and the puerperium is considered prothrombotic and this can lead to serious complications in combination with hyperthrombosis.

Regular blood tests during pregnancy make it possible, among other things, to recognise and treat any abnormalities at an early stage. An abnormal platelet count can not only lead to complications during pregnancy, but can also prevent regional anaesthesia during birth.