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Platelets and leucocyte counts in pregnancy
S A Karim1, M Khurshid, J H Rizvi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Normal pregnancy is characterized by an increase in white blood cell counts (leukocytosis), primarily due to rising granulocytes. Meanwhile, platelet counts show a slight decrease as pregnancy advances.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
Background:
- Pregnancy involves significant physiological changes affecting hematological parameters.
- Understanding normal reference ranges for blood cell counts during gestation is crucial for accurate clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the typical changes in leucocyte (white blood cell) and platelet counts throughout normal pregnancy.
- To establish trimester-specific hematological profiles in a pregnant population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 573 "normal" pregnant women across three major teaching hospitals in Karachi.
- Participants were categorized into first (183), second (195), and third (194) trimesters.
Main Results:
- Leukocytosis (elevated white blood cell count) is a normal finding in pregnancy.
- This increase is mainly attributed to a progressive rise in granulocytes.
- Platelet counts demonstrated a slight but consistent decrease as pregnancy progressed.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms leukocytosis as a physiological adaptation during normal pregnancy.
- Platelet counts decrease slightly with advancing gestation.
- These findings provide valuable data for interpreting hematological changes in pregnant women.