The smallest blood cells are platelets, which can stop bleeding by forming blood clots. Throughout pregnancy, the expectant mother donates blood several times to determine the amount of these elements. If they are lowered, they diagnose thrombocytopenia and prescribe treatment to normalize this indicator. In this article we will try to analyze the reasons for the increase and decrease in platelets during pregnancy, what they are, their norms.
Norm indicators
Platelets are flat blood cells without nuclei, the shell of which traps 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. Platelets are also necessary for the 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 platelet norm 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 disposal must ensure replacement in such a way that the average volume of these cells constantly circulates in the blood.
What causes deviations in the norm?
Platelet levels in the blood can increase and decrease due to physiological and pathological reasons. If such fluctuations (downward) occur during menstruation, this should not cause concern, since blood loss is restored very quickly. The lower permissible platelet norm is 150 x 10 9 / L.
During heavy uterine bleeding, the flow of blood cells begins to increase, as a result of which the platelets do not have time to timely rise to normal in the bone marrow. A blood test shows anemia (anemia) with a low content of these elements and red blood cells, and this condition is called thrombocytopenia.
Another physiological condition that causes a change in the norm of blood cells is pregnancy. All the functions of the body of the expectant mother begin to be rebuilt, and an additional placental circle of blood circulation is formed. As a result, the total blood volume begins to increase. What should be the norm during this period? Platelets during pregnancy should be 150-380 x 10 9 / L. Their increase over the upper border is called thrombocytosis.
Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy
In anticipation of a child, a woman should systematically take a general blood test and a coagulogram. According to such data, the doctor should control the correct development of the fetus and the readiness of the body for childbirth, and it is desirable that there is a norm for these indicators.
Platelets during pregnancy may decrease slightly. This is especially characteristic for the third semester, since in this period the blood volume increases. The level of these cells can change during the day, so the tests must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
Low platelets during pregnancy, the level of which is 140 x 10 9 / l and below, can trigger the following factors:
- lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the fact that blood cells are mistaken for foreign and destroyed;
- taking certain medications, such as blood thinners;
- diseases of the immune system (HIV, AIDS);
- viral infections;
- late gestosis;
- poor nutrition;
- allergy;
- leukemia;
- sepsis;
- hormonal disbalance;
- fetal death of the fetus.
Low platelets during pregnancy manifest as bleeding gums and bruises on the body. The consequences of this pathology lead to severe loss of blood during childbirth, as well as to internal bleeding in the fetus.
How can platelets in the blood be raised?
During pregnancy, almost all drugs that can increase the level of blood cells are excluded, therefore, gentle methods are used.
If thrombocytopenia has developed in a woman already quite strongly, the attending physician usually recommends in this case a thromboconcentrate transfusion procedure. Blood saturated with blood cells enters the body, not only increasing their level, but also contributing to their further development.
You need to monitor your diet by consuming vitamin C-rich foods. This can be blackcurrant, rosehip, bell 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 wild rose. It not only increases blood cells, but also strengthens blood vessels.
Low level consequences
Since platelets are very important elements of the circulatory system, their reduction can lead to very serious consequences.
HELLP syndrome can occur - a rather rare disease in which blood pressure rises significantly, pains appear in the head and upper abdomen, nausea occurs, and protein is found in the urine.
In addition, thrombocytopenia causes internal bleeding in the child, severe loss of blood during delivery, and also contributes to spontaneous abortion and premature birth. A low level of blood cells is an occasion to have a planned cesarean section.
Thrombocytosis in Pregnancy
Elevated platelets during pregnancy are also quite common. It is diagnosed if the level of blood cells exceeds 380 x 10 9 / L. Such a deviation does not bring anything good to both the mother and the unborn child.
If the norm is increased (platelets during pregnancy), then usually the reason for this is insufficient water intake, as well as frequent diarrhea and vomiting. Although doctors consider these symptoms to be natural, one should not exclude the likelihood of a dangerous disease that can affect the level of blood cells. To do this, conduct a series of examinations, including a coagulogram. Elevated platelets during pregnancy are characterized by the appearance of red dots on the skin.
How to lower the level of red cells in the blood?
With a slight increase in platelets, you can review your diet, exclude foods that increase their number, and add those with a liquefying effect. Very useful are fish oil, tomato juice, garlic, berries, vegetable oils, onions, sour fruits. You should also drink fresh juices and green tea, and banning bananas, pomegranates, aronia, walnuts and lentil porridge.
Pregnant women should not use alternative methods of treatment, since all decoctions and tinctures are not able to normalize blood cells. Instead of reducing, you can achieve the opposite effect.
Output
Thus, blood cells are very important elements of the circulatory system. Is a serious pathology considered when the norm is exceeded or lowered? Platelets during pregnancy, with their deficiency or excess, can lead to various complications in both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, you should regularly donate blood and, if necessary, be treated.