HELLPThat’s not a cry for assistance – HELLP is actually a complication of pregnancy common in first pregnancies, but may also occur again in following instances. HELLP, simply put is a severe form of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a condition during pregnancy wherein protein is found in the mother’s urine and her blood pressure is higher than the norm. In HELLP, the liver’s function is compromised because of pre-eclampsia. The acronym actually means: H – haemolytic anemia (this means red blood cells disintegrate), EL – elevated liver transminases (which indicates liver malfunction), LP – low platelet count (which causes poor blood clotting). In short, HELLP is a complicated condition involving liver and blood functions. Women with pre-eclampsia are at a risk of developing HELLP. Common symptoms include abnormally and very high BP, easy bleeding or bruising of gums and other body parts, facial and palmar swelling, severe nausea, vomiting and headaches, pain in upper right abdominal region, and extreme fatigue. Many women disregard these symptoms thinking they are normal symptoms of pregnancy, so HELLP goes undiagnosed. However, prevention of the complications of HELLP lies in early detection. The doctor will have to perform more blood tests before confirming a HELLP diagnosis. HELLP has an unknown cause, so there is no sure – fire way of preventing it. To minimize risks, management of preeclampsia should be the priority. A woman diagnosed with HELLP will also need to prepare for C-section which is to be done prior to her due date. This is so her body does not have to go through the stresses of labor which can only complicate her condition. Her body has a great chance of going back to its healthy state once the child has been delivered. Read more of our articles on pregnancy complications
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy |