HELLP syndrome

Posted by Pam on May 24, 1999 at 16:54:40
With my first and only pregnancy, I had pre-eclampsia at 13 weeks, at which point I was taken off work.  At about 16 weeks I was put on bedrest.  I was first hospitalized at 24 weeks then again at 26 weeks and finally for duration at 32 weeks.  I eventually developed HELLP syndrome at 33 weeks, and my daughter was born by emergency c-section.  Fortunately, she did very well and we brought her home twelve days later weighing 4 pounds 13 ounces.
My concern is that I would like to have another child, and I am of course concerned about the likelihood of recurrence and what, if anything, I can do to help insure the health of my unborn child and myself.
Since I don't plan to have a child for about two years, I do not yet wish to consult a Perinatologist, though I will do so before we start trying.
It has already been nine and a half years since the birth of my daughter.
What can you suggest?

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 24, 1999 at 22:31:45
Dear Pam:
Pre-eclampsia, including the variation known by the eponym HELLP, is a disease of unknown etiology that occurs in first pregnancies and repeats in subsequent pregnancies in less than 10% of patients. Since the disease etiology is unknown, there is no prevention.
Entering pregnancy in good health (weight appropriate for height; balanced diet; regular exercise and sleep patterns; no recreational drug use; no tobacco use; multiple vitamin containing folic acid, 0.4 mg supplement; any health problems such as asthma, diabetes, primary bowel disease stabilized; any medications that can be stopped or changed to therapies known safe in pregnancy) is to every woman's benefit.
Pre-pregnancy consultation with an obstetrician to discuss your concerns is always wise.
Keywords: HELLP syndrome
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.