Platelet Lifespan in Normal Pregnancy as Determined by a Nonradioisotopic Technique

Summary A nonradioisotopic technique for determination of platelet lifespan was applied to 19 healthy women whose gestational ages were between 32 and 40 weeks. Nine non‐pregnant women and five men were also studied. Platelet counts were performed in all subjects. No significant difference was demonstrated between platelet lifespan in pregnant women (9·2 days), in non‐pregnant women (9·7 days) and in men (9·2 days). There was no significant difference between platelet counts in men and in non‐pregnant women, but the mean number of platelets in pregnant women was significantly lower. It is concluded that no significant changes in platelet behaviour appear to occur in normal pregnancy. We are grateful to Mrs P. Rotmans and Mr E. Haddeman for their advice and technical help.