My wife was in for her bi-weekly checkup with her obstetrician today, and had some bloodwork done. We left the appointment, and everything was fine, at the time. She was just informed her platelets were a little low.
Later this afternoon, the doctor’s office called to say that they needed us to come in tomorrow morning, as it was urgent. My question is, what sort of things can be found out from prenatal bloodwork that would be that urgent? Unfortunately, the doctor’s office wouldn’t say. I am really concerned, and the quicker an answer, the better. Some facts that might help:
My wife is 37.5 weeks into the pregnancy, she is a light smoker (I know, I know), she has had no alcohol since conception, and eats a healthy diet. As well, she has exhibited no signs of prenatal diabetes.
I’m no doctor, and I can’t tell you what the bloodwork might reveal (personally, I would badger the doctor for an answer). However, a couple anecdotes to set you at ease a bit.
First, 37.5 weeks is considered full-term. My baby was born at 37 weeks, and is perfect. Considering that the “urgent” situation doesn’t require a trip to the emergency room immediately, but rather coming in in the morning, it could be that something indicates the baby needs to be delivered and they want to induce. Maybe there are signs of pre-eclampsia? I believe high blood pressure is part of that condition, and no doubt smoking would increase the risk for that. Anyway, if it is that, having the baby makes it all better.
Second, I don’t know what diagnosis caused this, but my aunt had a similar situation - she went in for a routine checkup, and they said, “You have to have the baby today!” They induced her, and everything went fine.
So, again, I’m not a doctor, but I would bet that they want to induce labor, and that having the baby will fix whatever problem they may have detected.
Good luck!