{Title} Cause, Symptoms & Treatment

Hellp Syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening obstetric complication usually considered to be a variant of pre-eclampsia. 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. It occurs in about 10 percent of women with high blood pressure of pregnancy. It usually develops before delivery, but may occur postpartum (after delivery) as well. HELLP syndrome occurs very rarely, only affecting between 0.2% and 0.6% of all pregnant women in North America.

In fact, about 10% of women with preeclampsia will develop the condition. The majority of HELLP sufferers do recover fully. Unfortunately though, 2% of women and 8% of babies affected by HELLP syndrome die as a result of complications caused by the illness. Most women who will get HELLP have blood pressure problems before they get HELLP syndrome. Some conditions may increase the risk of developing HELLP syndrome, including preeclampsia during pregnancy and previous pregnancy with HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome can also occur in the absence of both preeclampsia and eclampsia.

The most common symptoms of HELLP syndrome. However, each woman may exhibit experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include right-sided upper abdominal pain or pain around the stomach, nausea, vomiting ,headache, increased blood pressure ,protein in the urine and edema (swelling). The symptoms of HELLP syndrome may resemble other medical conditions, including pregnancy-induced hypertension. The only effective treatment is delivery of the baby. If your baby is older than 34 weeks, it is likely that she will be delivered immediately, probably by cesarean section. Typically, symptoms disappear within a week of delivery.

If your baby is under 34 weeks and your symptoms are less severe, your health care provider may recommend bed rest and close monitoring until your baby reaches 34 weeks. You may be given medications to control your high blood pressure, along with increased fluids. You may receive intravenous corticosteroids, which will help your baby's lungs to grow and develop more quickly. There is no way to prevent this illness. The best thing you can do is see your doctor regularly and tell your doctor about your symptoms at every prenatal visit. If you are at high risk for developing HELLP syndrome, be sure to be monitored by your health care provider.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for beauty tips. She also writes articles for hairstyles gallery and hairstyles tips.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Hellp Syndrome

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