Platelet studies in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension

The platelet count does not appear to change during normal pregnancy but a rise in the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width was found in the third trimester in this study of 208 healthy pregnant women. Alteration of all three platelet parameters was seen following delivery in 40 women studied sequentially. Moderately severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was associated with no alteration of platelet parameters when compared with gestation-matched controls. Platelet abnormalities in severe PIH appeared to be related to the time of presentation and may be a reflection of the rate of progression of the underlying condition.