Background: Pre eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Of all haematological abnormalities, thrombocytopenia is most commonly seen in pregnancy induced hypertension cases. These pregnancies also are associated with qualitative changes in platelets. Research on pre eclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in both the laboratory and clinical arenas requires continued emphasis and finding. Methodology: The blood samples are analyzed for platelet count and indices using the automated haematology analyzers. Results: The platelet count showed an inverse relationship with the severity of pregnancy induced hypertension. The platelet indices - mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width too showed consistent relationship with the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Conclusion: The platelet count and indices can be considered as an effective screening tool in antenatal workup of women with the gestational hypertension.
