The usefulness and optimal timing of laboratory coagulation tests before obstetric extradural analgesia are controversial. Moreover, the significance of mild coagulation abnormalities during pregnancy remains unclear. We have assessed the reliability of coagulation tests performed several weeks before delivery as predictors of coagulation abnormalities during labour. Platelet count, plasma fibrinogen concentration, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were sampled in 797 women during the ninth month of pregnancy and checked during labour. Platelet count was less than 100 x 10(9) litre-1 for 11 women during labour. Only three had been detected by the first sample. Platelet count less than 100 x 10(9) litre-1 or fibrinogen concentration less than 2.9 g litre-1 during labour were associated with an increase in the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (odds ratio = 19.7). We conclude that a platelet count several weeks before delivery was not reliable in predicting thrombocytopenia during labour and that women with mild coagulation abnormalities in early labour may need special attention regarding the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

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