ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and define causes of pregnancy associated thrombocytopenia METHODS: A total of 850 pregnant women at different ages of gestation were screened for thrombocytopenia. A control group of 150 age-matched nonpregnant women were tested for platelet count. Neoborns of thrombocytopenic women were tested within 24 hours of delivery and reassessment of women's platelets was done within 7-10 days post delivery. RESULTS: The mean platelet count in pregnant women was significantly lower than in nonpregnant women (221±59.9 vs. 273±66.9). Thrombocytopenia affected 8% of cases, with peak incidence during the third trimester. Gestational thrombocytopenia was found to be the principal cause (73.8%); hypertensive disorders caused thrombocytopenia in 23% of cases and two cases (4%) were due to immune thrombocytopenic purpura. No maternal or fetal complications were noted. The mean platelet count of 51 neoborns of thrombocytopenic women was (240 ± 7.1). Two neoborns (4%) had low platelet counts. CONCLUSION: Majority of thrombocytopenias were mild gestational and occurred in late in pregnancy. No maternal or neonatal bleeding complications were observed.