About this topic
HELLP is a very bad problem that can happen in the late stages of pregnancy. HELLP stands for: ‚
- H ¢ ˆ ’ The breakdown of red blood cells which is hemolysis.
- EL ¢ ˆ ’ Elevated or an increase in liver enzymes
- LP ¢ ˆ ’ Low platelet count or problems with clotting
HELLP most often is seen in women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia that has become worse. HELLP is most often seen before the pregnancy is 37 weeks along. You or your baby may have serious problems from HELLP. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do. ‚
The main treatment for HELLP is to deliver the baby. You may have HELLP syndrome before your baby is big enough to live outside of your womb. Then, your doctor may treat you at home or in the hospital. If you have not delivered your baby, your doctor may order you to rest in bed. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent seizures
- Help the babys lungs develop faster
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Rest is very important if you have not delivered your baby. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat a healthy diet. Ask your doctor or dietitian for a meal plan just for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Clotting problem that may lead to too much bleeding
- Fluid in the lungs
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Placenta separates from the uterus
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Visit your doctor often for prenatal check-ups.
- Start prenatal care early.
- Get your blood pressure checked often and watch for signs of pre-eclampsia.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of high blood pressure and HELLP. Signs are:
- Headaches that do not go away
- Nosebleed
- Eyesight problems
- Rapid weight gain over 1 to 2 days and more than 2 to 5 pounds a week
- Swelling in hands and face
- Less urine output
- Concerns on your condition or treatment.
Go to the ER right away if you have signs of HELLP. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet, drugs, or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have headaches, nosebleeds, swelling, or weight gain.
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/hellpsyndrome.html ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/hellp-syndrome.html ‚
Preeclampsia Foundation ‚
http://www.preeclampsia.org/health-information/hellp-syndrome ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚