A nulliparous woman is admitted to labour ward in established labour, she is in a lot of pain and asks for an epidural. The team note that a full blood count taken 2 days ago showed a platelet count of 48. Is this a real thrombocytopenia? What are the causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy? How are they treated? What about epidural or spinal anesthesia? Will she bleed? What if it falls further and she needs platelets?

Hi everyone,

Welcome to part 2 of our discussion on thrombocytopenia and platelets in pregnancy with Dr Simon Kavanagh a consultant haematologist.

As this is a conversation split into two - if you haven't already please listen to part 1 first (see link below):

Thanks Simon!

https://www.obsgynaecritcare.org/thrombocytopenia-in-pregnancy/