Abstract
The pregnant state must achieve a fine balance between hemorrhage and thrombosis. Platelets play a critical role in this balance yet there is a lack of clear knowledge and consensus about platelet function in pregnancy. This review will outline the mechanisms involved in platelet clot and thrombus formation, delineate the different techniques available for the assessment of platelet function and highlight the current understanding of platelet function in pregnancy. With respect to normal pregnancy, there appears to be an increase in platelet aggregation when compared with the nonpregnant state. In pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, platelets are further activated when compared with normal pregnancy. Platelet function testing in those with recurrent miscarriage suggests a tendency toward thrombosis. However, further studies are needed to clarify platelet function status in normal and complicated pregnancy.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.