Disorders of platelets in pregnancy

No significant change in platelet number, function or life-span occurs during pregnancy. However, pregnancy may be complicated by various platelet abnormalities or platelets may be involved in pregnancy pathologies. Thrombocytopenia is the most common platelet disorder to affect pregnancy. It may occur in a number of clinical conditions and both immune and nonimmune mechanisms may be involved. Apart from the risks to the mother, the fetus may be secondarily affected, especially in cases of immunogenic thrombocytopenia. Management of the mother may not necessarily improve fetal prognosis. Improvement in diagnostic techniques like percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) has greatly improved in utero diagnosis and management of the affected fetus. The diagnosis and management of the various platelet disorders affecting the pregnant woman and the fetus are discussed in this overview.