Updates to copy, information, sources, and formatting, and new medical review.
The joy of pregnancy comes with plenty of expected symptoms, like morning sickness, bloating and fatigue.
Luckily, HELLP syndrome is fairly rare, occurring in about 1 or 2 in 1,000 pregnancies.
Here are some symptoms to look out for plus when to call your doctor.
What is HELLP syndrome?
HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that affects the liver and blood.
Sometimes, HELLP syndrome can even be misdiagnosed as the flu, hepatitis or gallbladder disease.
If your doctor isnt available, head to the local emergency room right away.
What causes HELLP syndrome?
Experts don’t fully understand what causes HELLP syndrome.
Eclampsia is a very serious condition accompanied by seizures that can evolve if preeclampsia is left untreated.
HELLP is also a more severe form of preeclampsia-related disease.
In many cases, women are diagnosed with preeclampsia before being diagnosed with HELLP.
What are the possible complications of HELLP syndrome?
HELLP syndrome can threaten both your life and that of your baby if its not diagnosed and treated quickly.
How is HELLP syndrome treated?
The main treatment for HELLP syndrome is delivery of your baby, even if shes born prematurely.
Thats because the complications of HELLP can cause problems to both you and your baby if they progress.
Vaginal delivery is most common, if possible, as blood-clotting issues associated with HELLP can complicate aC-section.
If babys lungs arent yet mature, you may receive corticosteroids to speed up their maturity before delivery.
Youd most likely be kept under observation in the hospital.
Your doctor may also give you:
How can you prevent HELLP syndrome?
