HELLP syndrome is a complication of preeclampsia that endangers the life of the mother and baby during pregnancy, leading to kidney failure, liver problems, or acute lung edema.
Generally, HELLP syndrome is mistaken for severe preeclampsia because they have similar symptoms; however, a hallmark of HELLP syndrome is pain near the pit of the stomach.
HELLP syndrome is cured if it is treated as soon as possible by an obstetrician, but pregnancy may need to be discontinued.
Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome
The main symptom of HELLP syndrome is pain near the pit of the stomach, but other symptoms are:
- Headache;
- Vision changes;
- High blood pressure;
- General malaise;
- Nausea and vomiting;
A pregnant woman who develops signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome should immediately consult the obstetrician or go to the emergency room, especially if she suffers from pre-eclampsia, diabetes, lupus or heart or kidney problems.
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome usually arise during pregnancy, but can also occur in the postpartum period.
How to Treat HELLP Syndrome
To treat HELLP syndrome, it is necessary for the pregnant woman to be admitted to the hospital so that the obstetrician can constantly evaluate the evolution of the pregnancy.
The treatment for HELLP syndrome depends on the gestational age of the woman, and it is common after 34 weeks for early delivery to prevent the death of the woman and the suffering of the fetus.
When the pregnant woman is less than 34 weeks old, injections of corticosteroids into the muscle, such as betamethasone, can be done to develop the baby's lungs so that delivery can be advanced. However, when the pregnant woman is less than 24 weeks pregnant, this type of treatment may not be effective and it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy.
Learn how to avoid some serious pregnancy problems at:
- Pre eclampsia
- Eclampsia
