Platelet Functions Before, During and After Labor

Abstract

Platelet functions were evaluated in 20 healthy pregnant women in the last months of pregnancy, during labor, and 5–12 weeks after labor. The results showed an increased platelet count, bleeding time and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test, as well as an increased plasma calcium level postlabor. ADP- and epinephrine-induced aggregation during labor was markedly decreased, followed by a statistically significant increase post-labor. These findings are in correlation with the high incidence of thromboembolic phenomena occurring postlabor.

Post partum platelet count in maternal blood

“…(150-400 x 109/1) (1-3). Other reports show increased platelet counts one week or later after delivery (4,5).…”