All of these are physiological changes in pregnancy except?: (A) Increase in blood volume by 30-40%, (B) Serum fibrinogen increases by 50%, (C) Increase in platelet count, (D) Decrease in packed cell volume
Answer is C. There is decrease in platelet counts in pregnancy which is also known as gestational thrombocytopenia Lower platelet concentrations are paially due to hemodilution Platelet consumption is likely augmented because of splenic enlargement There may be an element of "hypersplenism," in which platelets are prematurely destroyed