TOPIC:

I am 39 weeks pregnant and my platelets are starting to drop. On January 8, my platelets were at 104,000. Today, January 10, my platelets are at 89,000. On Friday,the 8th, my OB referred me to my hemotologist to manage my ITP. I saw the hemotologist today and felt there was no need for treatment at this point; understandably because I am above the 50,000 mark. However, he does not feel that I need any follow up treatment. With an approx. 15,000 platelet drop in two days, I'm really concerned about where my platelet level will be when I give birth and for my baby's health. I'm also concerned about not being able to have an epidermal if I need it or the risk of episomoty (sp?).

Others who have gone through this before, do you have any advice for me? Should I seek a second opinion? Thoughts...I'm really worried about this. My due date is the 23rd. I still have about two weeks to go. Any advice would be most appreciated it!

If you haven't already, you should tell them that you'd like the option of having an epidural and they should then be monitoring your count at least weekly. If they are still dropping, you may need a short prednisone taper to boost them for the birth - so you have the epidural option. The anesthesiologist will likely need you at above 85K - likely 100K. Your baby's platelets won't be affected by your own count - there's no relationship there. good luck.