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2 Apr 2024

Understanding HELLP Syndrome

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Understanding HELLP Syndrome
HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can occur during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester.
The acronym HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count, which are the key characteristics of this syndrome.
It is considered a variant of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys.
HELLP syndrome can develop rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.
What are the symptoms?
Recognizing the symptoms of HELLP syndrome is crucial for early detection and treatment. While the symptoms may vary from person to person, some common signs include:
  • H: Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), leading to symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, and jaundice.
  • EL: Elevated Liver enzymes, causing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and swelling.
  • LP: Low Platelet count, resulting in easy bruising, bleeding gums, and prolonged bleeding.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.
Who is at risk?
While the exact cause of HELLP syndrome is unknown, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition. These include:
  • Preeclampsia: If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia, you have a higher risk of developing HELLP syndrome.
  • Previous history: Women who have previously had HELLP syndrome are more likely to experience it in subsequent pregnancies.
  • First-time pregnancy: HELLP syndrome can occur in first-time pregnancies, although it is more commonly seen in women who have had multiple pregnancies.
  • Family history: Having a family history of HELLP syndrome or preeclampsia may increase the risk.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing HELLP syndrome involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests.
Your healthcare provider may perform blood tests to assess your liver function, platelet count, and look for signs of hemolysis.
Additionally, they may monitor your blood pressure and check for other symptoms associated with the syndrome.
Timely diagnosis is essential for appropriate management and ensuring the well-being of both you and your baby.
What is the treatment?
Once diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate course of treatment based on the severity of your condition and the gestational age of your baby. Treatment options may include:
  • Hospitalization: In severe cases, you may be admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and specialized care.
  • Medications: Medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure, prevent seizures (if necessary), and manage any complications.
  • Delivery: Depending on the gestational age and severity of the syndrome, delivering the baby may be the most effective treatment option.
Can HELLP syndrome be prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent HELLP syndrome.
However, there are steps you can take to promote a healthy pregnancy and reduce your risk of developing complications:
  • Regular prenatal care: Attend all your scheduled prenatal appointments and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or symptoms you may experience.
  • Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity (with your healthcare provider's approval), and get plenty of rest to support your overall well-being.
  • Education and awareness: Stay informed about the signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
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L
Lay
27 Oct 2023

Update: Via emergency c-section due to preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome my baby girl Saige Milan is here. 10/25 . We are both doing great . Thanks for all the prayers 🥰🙏🏽 2lbs 8oz of Gods Grace

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15 comments
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BIG BOOTY JUDY JU😘😘🥰
She sooooo cute😍 I’m glad y’all doing good ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Lay
Thank you ☺️
27 Mar 2024

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Sevyn’s Mother 👩🏾‍🍼
26 Oct 2023

Him so little & look at his hair 😭 this shit crazy but I pumped 5ml colostrum total my first session 🥲 I’m really a mother now 4.3 pounds/ ounces 7:37 am 17.8 cm long. my ♏️ baby I was emergency induced at 34 weeks due to HELLP . Low platelets are no joke

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Monique🧘🏾‍♀️🩵👣🩵🍼
Did he have to be in the nicu ?
27 Mar 2024

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Keena Young
Congratulations
27 Mar 2024

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Brittany
28 Jul 2023

I had my babygirl at 26weeks and 2days on may 30th she weighed 1lb 2oz. She is now 2lbs 9oz almost 10oz and doing so well💜💚 I am very blessed!! I had her early bc I developed HELLP syndrome we almost didn't make it but again I am unbelievably blessed!!❤️

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Brittany
This is my baby Ember Grace now💜💚
27 Mar 2024

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Nyeema
20 May 2023

Last week at 32 weeks 5 days we was admitted and I was told my preclampSia and hellp syndrome is creeping back. I would possibly deliver early. But we ended up going home after two days. I had to have the steroid shot for baby lungs. We go to the doctor this monday5/22/23 and I’m praying my blood work come back great. If not I will be delivering my baby this month.

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Teri
Hang in there momma ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
Prayers 🙏❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Michaela
12 Feb 2023

My sweet Tucker came 8 weeks early weighing 3lbs 2oz on Jan 24th. He’s now at 4lbs 2oz, bottle/breast feeding, and regulating his body temperature. I had HELLP syndrome and we both almost didn’t make it. I’m so thankful to God! #preemie #NICU

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6 comments
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Lindsay
Hallelujah that you both are ok!!! And thank you for sharing because I'm so worried I'm gonna have to have an early C-section cause preclampsia and my baby is only like 3lbs right now. But looks like your little man is strong and healthy!! ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Michaela
Just focus on keeping yourself healthy and keep that baby in there as long as possible!! I was having symptoms for 8 days before I finally went to the hospital. They had my baby out and me back together in 17 minutes I was so so sick. I spent 24hours in ICU following delivery. At 24 years old and having a completely healthy pregnancy, this was a huge shock to my OB. My baby was 1 minute from not making it and I was 3 minutes roughly. My placenta ruptured as soon as she cut me open. It was traumatic but I knew that I had already chosen the best place to deliver and the best OB in town.
27 Mar 2024

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Sammi
7 Nov 2022

Has anyone been diagnosed with HELLP at 34 weeks or around then? What ended up happening? 🙁

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2 comments
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Sam
I haven't but I did alot of reading into preeclampsia and hellp you will most likely be put on bed rest and medication for you and baby and theres a good possibility that baby will need to be induced or c section you may have to be in the hospital so they can keep an eye and make sure everythings okay that's what I read online not from personal experience so it could be different I wish you the best of luck I know it's scary but you got this!❤️❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Kimberly
I had at 33 weeks.. some was induced.. NICU for 4 weeks.. but he is a healthy spunky 13 year old boy now. I had to stay in hospital a extra week.. was scary but overcame it.
27 Mar 2024

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