Low Blood Platlet Count - Anyone else have this??

[Macca8]

Hi girlies or Ghost,

I had my usual ante natal appt on Monday and they took the usual BP and blood tests for iron levels etc..

Apparently the normal range for blood platlets is between 150-450 ml per million. Mine started off normal at begining of pregnancy at 199 and has since dropped to 186, then dramatically to 115 and on Monday it was 65. I had to go back today to see what todays reading was and again next Monday. They tell me not to be too concerned but I stupidly looked on internet doctor site and it's troubled me now. Apparently this can be caused by viral infections, cancers and yes pregnancy but normally because of pre-eclampsia (which I don't have). My BP is normal too.

They said my babies are doing great and are approx 6lbs+ each and I feel fine other than the fact that I am worried.

Has anyone else had this happen??

Lisa XXX

[FionaA]

Hey Macca

Always something to worry about isn't there???

By blood platelet count do you mean iron levels?

I had mine tested at week 12 and they were 134, at week 28 they were down to 4....Apparently that is about rock bottom for iron levels. No wonder I was feeling tired.

I have also googled it and apparently anemia in pregnancy is quite normal for various reasons, one being dilution of the blood and two being that the baby(ies) are swiping our iron.

I asked if the low levels would harm the baby and was told that Noggin was taking all the iron he needs from me and that it was me that was suffering.

I am now on a strong iron tab in the morning, spatone iron supplement in the evening (that's a good one), red meat twice a day (yuck, steak for breakfast anyone?) and have been told not to drink tea or coffee becuse it inhibits iron absorbtion.

Despite all those measures my Doc said my blood probably won't recover until Noggin is born. I am feeling a bit less tired since taking the iron tabs.

I understand that the low iron may cause the need for a transfusion around the time of birth if the levels are too low...

Overall it's not a great situation but not the worst either. Are you going to talk to your doc about iron supps???

Good Luck

Fee

[My2LnT]

I have had that.... When I did all my testing they said the count was low. Then they wanted a re-test, So I did the re-test and yet again low (not sure of the #'s) So then yet again i had to do it again and it came back up. Not sure why---- It was the asprin from the cycle that is what they think. Not too sure myself but I did read a lot and also got a little worried. The last test my counts went back to "normal". Wishing you luck.

[EYCI]

Hi Macca -
I just had to response when I saw your post. Beware... I don't want to freak you out or worry you. But, I would hate to see someone else go through what I did. Your low platelet count could be due to HELLP syndrome. Here is a post for what that entails:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HELLP_syndrome

I had several symptoms of this... but no signs of pre-eclampsia. Then at 38 weeks the pre-eclampsia presented and my doc sent me from my regular check up appointment straight to the hospital for induction. The underlying and undiagnosed HELLP syndrome caused extreme complications for me. Placental abruption, emergency c-section, inability to clot (due to low platelets) which caused me to start bleeding out during the c-section. And due to the shock and blood loss, I went into kidney failure and had seizures. Had they just done a C-section instead of trying to induce me, this all MIGHT have been avoided.

My little pumpkin came out perfectly fine. But I spent several days in ICU. I don't want to scare you or freak you out. But, HELLLP syndrome is VERY uncommon and hence is often missed by even very good competent doctors. I would ask your OB to screen you for this.

Keep us posted. Best of luck to you and your little ones. Congrats on getting this far and with such big healthy babes!!!

--Julie

[FionaA]

Ooops sorry Macca, I don't think that Low Platelets is low iron as it thought so ignore my previous ramblings...

Bloody internet, I've lost count of the number of diseases I've diagnosed myself with. Having said that it can't hurt to ask about this HELLP syndrome, seems that if that it what it is they can provide appropriate treatment and that you and your babies will sail through the birth process.

Congrats on making it to 36 weeks with your twins, sounds like you are all doing well.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Fee

[Macca8]

Thanks ladies for the responses.

Fiona, it's not iron levels. Thankfully I have excellent iron levels in my blood which is unusual for mothers carrying multiples.

EYCI, It's highly unlikely to be hellp syndrome as I have none of the symptons mentioned in the report. Consultant claims it's so common to have this especially with multiples. Singleton carriers can get this too but less likely, it can be missed for them because they are not screened as often in the UK.

Off to visit my friend now that's just had a baby girl last night. Can't wait to see her.

Lisa XXX