Question on testing baby for itp

Not sure if this is where I should post it but hoping someone has some insight. I'm pregnant with itp 20 weeks right now went to the drs and they told me they would need to test the baby's platelets before he's born has anyone else had to do this? The idea of someone poking around in there I'm not a big fan didn't go I to much detail but I guess it will determine wether I get a c section or not? I have heard there is a high risk to the baby when doing this was just curious if someone else had to get their baby tested

Hi Keli,

When I had my son five years ago, my ITP was fairly stable (platelets were 80-90k). My hematologist was concerned about the baby being born with ITP, so he ordered a CBC on the cord blood at delivery and then another CBC drawn from my son several hours after he was born. He also examined my son shortly after delivery when I was in recovery. He then ordered another CBC on my son before we were discharged. His counts were all fine.

Also, in case your doctor hasn't mentioned this, even if your baby is born with ITP, once the baby's spleen starts working (shortly after birth), his/her platelet count should rise to a normal level (for an infant).

I was a super high risk pregnancy since I have both ITP and Lupus. I was followed by my regular OB/Gyn, a high risk maternal-fetal medicine OB/Gyn, and my hematologist. All were in agreement not to test the baby prior to birth. I, on the other hand, was followed very closely. Weekly blood work, monthly ultrasounds, fetal stress tests - I was at the doctor every week for almost 9 months!

Also, you mentioned the possibility of having a c-section. My plan was to deliver vaginally even with all of my medical issues. When I was induced at 37 weeks because my blood pressure was just too high, we still went with the assumption that I would deliver vaginally. But, my body had other plans and I just didn't dilate to 10 centimeters, so after 24 hours of labor, I had a c-section. And it was honestly not a big deal!

In the end, my son and I were both ok and platelets were stable. Who is recommending testing the baby - your hematologist or OB/Gyn? If you are concerned about testing the baby in utero, I would suggest discussing it further with both your hematologist and a high risk maternal-fetal medicine physician. The more information you can obtain, the better!

Take care,
~Lauren

Keli:

I think the concern is that the baby might suffer a brain bleed during a vaginal birth if his counts are low, especially if forceps are needed. I'm not sure what the risk to the baby is if they'd check his blood prior to birth (that is the big question), so you'd need to determine which is the riskier of the two choices. Or, if your counts permit, just go for the C-Section which would probably be safer for the baby.

Has anyone explained the risks of testing the baby's blood?

I found this:

www.medicalhealthtests.com/blog/blood-tests/fetal-blood-testing.html

childrens.memorialhermann.org/services/fetal-thrombocytopenia/

The risks would probably be much lower if they tested close to your due date. Maybe that can be arranged.

Thanks guys I think I'm in good hands seeing the top drs at Winnie Palmer in Orlando it think I will speak to them about doing this later rather than sooner with my insurance I really have no one else I can see so let's hope they know what they're doing lol I'm just a nervous wreck about delivery I'm not against c section but the ob is for some reason he is also the one wanting to test the baby but as was said hopefully that is done at the time of delivery not way before so hopefully if something did go wrong they could get him out. I just feel overwhelmed my hematologist has already said this is my first and my last pregnancy

He can't boss you around like that. See how this goes. You're doing okay so far. Half-way there, Keli!

Lol my thoughts exactly! Knock on wood no problems to date halfway there. I get very offended when he says certain things but I've kinda been through most drs in the area lol but I think after my baby is born I might be looking around for another dr while I appreciate him treating me he still has to make certain comments that could be done without like this is my first and only, that I can't see another dr that associated with Winnie Palmer I have a feeling he won't be available when I need him to be not only that he is a rude man I had the best dr in the world! I loved him before this one but he had to go and move to Clearwater beach hate when that happens

Where do you live? I go to Arnold Palmer in Latrobe, PA, his wife was Winnie. Are you in Florida? I didn't know that she had a medical facility named after her also.

You are one of the most difficult cases I've seen and if you can get through this, anyone can. After all you've been through, did you think having a baby would have ever been possible? I am routing for you all the way!

I has no idea I would ever get a chance to have a baby but me and my fiancé are so excited worried but excited but ivig seems to be doing what it's supposed to so I'm just hoping it all works out feels like everything is finally coming together. I go to Winnie Palmer in Orlando for my high risk ob and my dr is florida cancer specialists yesterday I sent to the dr I was at 17 and was happy about that since it was a week since my last ivig treatment usually would be down to 4 by then. So that was good lol Winnie wanted me over 100 the entire pregnancy I had to explain theres no way that's possible I'm sure my last month will be a pain but it'll be worth it but yeah I live in Sanford fl

Good ol' Winnie has her sites set high, but you will show her anyway!