Thrombocytes: normal. Platelets in Pregnancy

The smallest cells of the blood are platelets, which can stop bleeding by forming blood clots. Throughout pregnancy, the expectant mother donates blood several times to determine the number of these elements. If they are lowered, they diagnose "thrombocytopenia" and prescribe a treatment to normalize this indicator. In this article, we will try to understand the reasons for increasing and lowering platelets during pregnancy, what they are, their norms.

Indicators of the norm

Platelets are flat blood cells without nuclei, the shell of which catches foreign cells and bacteria and destroys them. In addition to this protective function, such elements stop bleeding, helping to create a crust on damaged vessels. Also, platelets are necessary for nutrition and restoration of blood vessels. Their synthesis occurs in the bone marrow, they function for about 7 days, after which they are destroyed in the spleen.

The norm of platelets in the blood of an adult woman is 180-320 x 10 ⁹ / l, and these elements live no more than 7 days. That is why their renewal and utilization should provide replacement in such a way that the average volume of these cells constantly circulates in the blood.

Because of what there are deviations in the norm?

The level of platelets in the blood can increase and decrease because of physiological and pathological causes. If such fluctuations (downward) occur during menstruation, this should not cause concern, since blood loss is restored very quickly. The lower permissible limit of platelet count is 150 x 10 ⁹ / l.

During the abundant uterine bleeding, the consumption of blood cells begins to increase, as a result of which the platelets do not have time to rise to the norm in the bone marrow. A blood test shows anemia (anemia) with a reduced content of these elements and red blood cells, and this state is called thrombocytopenia.

Another physiological condition that causes a change in the norm of blood cells is pregnancy. All the functions of the future mother's body begin to be reconstructed, and an additional placental circle of blood circulation is formed. As a result, the total volume of blood begins to increase. What should be the norm during this period? Platelets during pregnancy should be 150-380 x 10 ⁹ / l. Increasing them beyond the upper limit is called thrombocytosis.

Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

In anticipation of a child, a woman must systematically take a general blood test and a coagulogram. The doctor on such data should monitor the correctness of fetal development and the body's readiness for childbirth, and it is desirable that these indicators are the norm.

Platelets during pregnancy may decrease slightly. This is especially typical for the third semester, as in this period the volume of blood increases. The level of these cells can vary throughout the day, so the tests must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

Low platelets in pregnancy, whose level is 140 x 10 ⁹ / l and lower, can trigger the following factors:

• Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the fact that blood cells are mistaken for foreign and mistakenly;
• Taking certain medicines, for example, for diluting blood;
• Diseases of the immune system (HIV, AIDS);
• Viral infections;
• Late gestosis;
• Poor nutrition;
• allergy;
• Leukemia;
• sepsis;
• hormonal disbalance;
• Intrauterine fetal death.

Low platelets during pregnancy are manifested in the form of bleeding gums and bruises on the body. The consequences of such pathology lead to a severe loss of blood in labor and also to internal bleeding in the fetus.

How can I increase platelets in the blood?

At pregnancy practically all preparations which are capable to raise a level of blood cells are excluded, therefore apply sparing methods.

If thrombocytopenia has developed in a woman already strong enough, the attending physician usually recommends in this case to perform a procedure for transfusion of thrombocyte concentrate. Blood saturated with blood cells enters the body, not only increasing their level, but also contributing to their further development.

It is necessary to monitor your diet by eating vitamin C-rich foods. It can be black currant, dog rose, Bulgarian pepper, raspberry, citrus, sauerkraut, etc. You should also eat meat, fish and beets to improve blood quality.

To increase platelets in the blood during pregnancy, you can drink a decoction of rose hips. It not only increases blood cells, but also strengthens blood vessels.

Consequences of the lowered level

Since platelets are very important elements of the circulatory system, their reduction can lead to very serious consequences.

HELLP syndrome can occur - a fairly rare disease in which blood pressure rises, there are pains in the head and upper abdomen, nausea occurs, and protein is found in the urine.

In addition, thrombocytopenia causes the child to have internal bleeding, severe blood loss during delivery, and also promotes spontaneous abortion and premature birth. A low level of blood cells serves as an excuse for conducting a planned cesarean section.

Thrombocytosis in pregnancy

Elevated platelets during pregnancy - the phenomenon is also quite frequent. It is diagnosed if the level of blood cells exceeds 380 x 10 ⁹ / l. Such a deviation does not bear anything good for the mother or the future child.

If the norm (platelets in pregnancy) is increased, the usual reason for this is insufficient intake of water, as well as frequent diarrhea and vomiting. Although such symptoms are considered natural by doctors, we should not exclude the likelihood of a dangerous disease that can affect the level of blood cells. For this purpose a number of examinations are carried out, including a coagulogram. Elevated platelets in pregnancy are characterized by the appearance on the skin of red dots.

How to lower the level of red cells in the blood?

With a slight increase in platelets, you can revise your diet, exclude foods that increase their number, and add those possessing a diluting effect. Very useful are fish oil, tomato juice, garlic, berries, vegetable oils, onions, sour fruits. It is also necessary to drink fresh juices and green tea, and ban on bananas, pomegranate, chokeberry, walnuts and porridge from lentils.

Pregnant women should not use traditional methods of treatment, since all the broths and tinctures are not able to normalize blood cells. Instead of reducing, you can achieve the opposite effect.

Conclusion

Thus, blood cells are very important elements of the circulatory system. Is serious pathology considered when the norm is exceeded or lowered? Platelets in pregnancy with its deficiency or excess can lead to various complications in both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, you should regularly give blood and, if necessary, be treated.