Although rare, HELLP Syndrome is a very serious condition that affects pregnant women. While there is not a lot known about why pregnant women get this illness, it is highly treatable and rarely results in the fatality of the mother or baby.
HELLP Syndrome normally begins in the later stages of pregnancy in the third trimester (last three months). In some cases, HELLP even occurs after the baby is born. The onset of the syndrome is quick and the symptoms progress very rapidly leaving the mother and baby both at risk. The main problems associated with the syndrome involve the liver and blood pressure.
Why Does HELLP Syndrome Occur?
Since it is unknown why certain women develop HELLP Syndrome and others do not, the screening for the syndrome is tricky. There is no high risk group of women who develop HELLP, and it does not seem to be hereditary. HELLP can affect any pregnant woman during any pregnancy. There is a link between the syndrome and women who have high blood pressure, but it is not a direct link. Meaning that all women who have high blood pressure will not develop the syndrome and some women with normal blood pressure will develop HELLP. Another predictor that has been found is having problems with pregnancies in the past. There is also a higher occurrence of HELLP among white woman over the age of 25.
HELLP Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of HELLP Syndrome are hard to detect as they mirror symptoms that many women suffer in late pregnancy. The symptoms include:
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Headaches
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Tiredness
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Pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen
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Nausea or vomiting
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Swelling of the face and hands
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Bleeding from the gums or other tissues
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High blood pressure
As these symptoms are common in pregnant women during the late stages of pregnancy, your doctor will rely upon a blood test to see if you have developed HELLP.
Treatment Of HELLP Syndrome
The main treatment course to cure HELLP is to induce delivery of the baby. If this is done at a premature, but healthy time, both the mother and baby get better within a couple of days. In cases where inducing labor is not feasible, your doctor may simply wait if you are not too ill to carry the baby. Prescription drugs such as steroids are helpful to both the mother and baby suffering from HELLP as they can help strengthen both against the disorder. Steroids also make the baby healthier if a premature delivery becomes necessary. Symptoms of the syndrome are also treated as they occur. For example: It is not uncommon for women of this condition to receive blood transfusions to replace any blood lost.
While there is no way to prevent HELLP Syndrome from occurring, prenatal visits and screenings can protect you and your baby against it by catching it early. If you develop HELLP during a pregnancy, there is a good chance that you can develop it in a later pregnancy, but the symptoms are usually less severe the second time.
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