Background: To investigate the etiology, obstetrical risk factors, complications and outcomes of pregnancies affected by thrombocytopenia.

Methods: Study was conducted on 100 pregnant women who had thrombocytopenia from may 2017 to September 2017, in Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai, India. Clinical data including basic history, physical examination and investigations of those women were evaluated.

Results: 36% of these women had viral infections as the commonest cause of thrombocytopenia. Gestational thrombocytopenia accounted 33%. Pregnancy specific hypertension and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) accounted for 27% cases whereas in 4% of pregnant women, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was the causative factor. A higher rate of IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction), placental abruption and labor induction was noted among those gravidas who had moderate to severe thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions: Commonest cause of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is viral infections as there was a viral fever outbreak at the time of our study period, followed by gestational thrombocytopenia, preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. ITP is a rare cause of this disorder in pregnancy. Early detection and treatment of expected complications is the key focus in management of such cases.

Keywords: Etiology; Obstetrical Risk Factors; Complications; Outcomes; Thrombocytopenia.