HELLP Syndrome
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OVERVIEW
What is HELLP syndrome?
HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious illness in pregnancy. This illness can start quickly, most often in the last 3 months of pregnancy (the third trimester). It can also start soon after you have your baby. HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels and a Low Platelet count. These are problems that can occur in women who have this syndrome.
Women who have HELLP syndrome may have bleeding problems, liver problems and blood pressure problems that can hurt both the mother and the baby.
SYMPTOMS
How can I tell if I have HELLP syndrome?
If you have HELLP syndrome, you may feel tired. You may have pain in the upper right part of your belly. You may have bad headaches and nausea or vomiting. You may have swelling, especially in your face and hands. Rarely, you may notice bleeding from your gums or other places.
Because many healthy pregnant women also have these symptoms late in pregnancy, it may be hard to know for sure if you have HELLP syndrome. Your healthcare provider may order blood tests if you have these symptoms or if your blood pressure is high.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Who gets HELLP syndrome?
Healthcare providers don’t know exactly what causes HELLP syndrome. They also can’t predict who will get it. Any pregnant woman may get this illness.
Most women who will get HELLP have blood pressure problems before they get HELLP syndrome. (But you can get HELLP syndrome even if your blood pressure is normal.)
You’re more likely to get HELLP syndrome if you’re Caucasian and older than 25 years of age. You are also more likely to get it if you have had children before or if you had a problem with a pregnancy in the past.
TREATMENT
How is HELLP syndrome treated?
The main treatment for HELLP is to deliver your baby. This may have to be done before your due date. Most women who have this illness start to get better a couple of days after their babies are born.
If you aren’t too sick, your healthcare provider may wait a few days before delivering your baby.
You may have to take a steroid. This medicine helps both you and your baby.
If you have bleeding, you may need blood transfusions or other treatments in the hospital.
Some women who have HELLP syndrome get very sick. Rarely, this illness is fatal.
PREVENTION
What can I do to prevent HELLP syndrome?
There is no way to prevent this illness. The best thing you can do is see your healthcare provider regularly and tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms at every prenatal visit.
If you have HELLP syndrome during one pregnancy, you can have it again during your next pregnancy. After having HELLP syndrome, you are considered high-risk for complications during any future pregnancies.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
- I have high blood pressure. Am I at risk for HELLP syndrome?
- What blood tests do I need?
- Will I need to deliver my baby early? What risks does this pose for my baby’s health?
- What would happen if I waited to deliver my baby?
- I had HELLP syndrome during another pregnancy. Will I have it again? Can I do anything to prevent HELLP syndrome during this pregnancy?
Sources
HELLP Syndrome: Recognition and Perinatal Management by Maureen O’Hara Padden, LCDR, MC, USN (09/01/99, http://www.aafp.org/afp/990901ap/829.html )
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