Post partum platelet count in maternal blood

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, during and after delivery can be an indicator of serious preeclampsia or any condition accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In order to recognize thrombocytopenia, it is important to know the expected platelet count in healthy women. Literature search gave no information regarding changes of platelet count in healthy women shortly after uneventful pregnancies and uncomplicated deliveries, either vaginal or cesarean section. The intention of this study was to investigate whether there were any such changes. METHODS: Blood samples were taken on admission to the obstetric ward, first and third day after vaginal delivery (11 patients) or cesarean section (11 patients). Platelet count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit was measured for each blood sample. RESULTS: There was no significant change in platelet count after vaginal delivery. Following cesarean section there was a median decrease in platelet count of 12.5% the first postoperative day, and a median increase of 5% the third postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet count remains unchanged after uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Shortly following normal pregnancy and uncomplicated cesarean section platelets should be expected to decrease slightly.