ACOG practice bulletin: Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Number 6, September 1999. Clinical management guidelines for obstetrician-gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Thrombocytopenia in pregnant women is diagnosed frequently by obstetricians because platelet counts are now included with automated complete blood cell counts (CBCs) obtained during routine prenatal screening (1). The condition is common, occurring in 7-8% of pregnancies (2). Thrombocytopenia can result from a variety of physiologic or pathologic conditions, several of which are unique to pregnancy. Some causes of thrombocytopenia are serious medical disorders that have the potential for profound maternal and fetal morbidity. In contrast, other conditions, such as gestational thrombocytopenia, are benign and pose no maternal or fetal risks. Because of the increased recognition of maternal and fetal thrombocytopenia, there are numerous controversies regarding obstetric management. Clinicians must weigh the risks of maternal and fetal bleeding complications against the costs and morbidity of diagnostic tests and invasive interventions.