"...One of my biggest fears was that if I have another child that my platelets will drop too low and I would bleed out..."

FROM OUR Q & A FILES:
Q:  In the Q & A in the July newsletter the Dr says most women at 80,000 do not bleed to death.  If they need cesarean, platelets can be replaced. I was told by my Dr that during HELLP platelets cannot be replaced due to the fact that the body will destroy any new ones with in the first 24 hours after delivery.  I was wondering if this is true. One of my biggest fears was that if I have another child that my platelets will drop too low and I would bleed out (during a cesarean). Please let me know what you can find out. Thanks! Karen

A:  Both answers are true.  In the SHORT term, you can replace platelets for a cesarean section.  One should not expect to bleed out if cesarean is needed.  A regional anesthesia may not be possible. On the other hand, replacing platelets in order to prolong a pregnancy with HELLP will not work.  The platelets will be consumed over the next 12-24 hours, (or faster).

Platelet transfusion will work short term, but not to prolong the pregnancy.