Haemoglobin and Platelet Count
All women lose a small amount of blood during delivery. Although this is usually not a problem, even a small blood loss can be harmful to women with anaemia. Your doctor may want to know the level of haemoglobin in your blood prior to delivery to assess the possible impact of the expected blood loss. (Refer to the First Trimester section for additional information).
Platelets are cells found in blood that help form clots to stop bleeding. Women with low platelet counts, or who have platelets that don't function properly to form clots, are at risk of life-threatening bleeding during delivery. Follow-up testing may be needed to help determine treatment options if a platelet problem is detected.
Related Tests: Haemoglobin, Platelet count