What is HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP Syndrome is a rare condition that is often experienced by pregnant women or immediately after giving birth. HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelet Count.
Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the body. Whereas, Elevated Liver Enzymes is an increase in enzymes in the liver that can affect the mother’s liver.
Then, Low Platelet Count is a condition of low platelet count. Platelets are components that help blood clot.
HELLP Syndrome can cause problems with the blood, liver, and blood pressure. If left untreated, this problem can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
HELLP Syndrome can cause complications such as seizures, rupture of the liver, and placental abruption or separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the baby is born.
Placental abruption can cause bleeding, premature birth, or the baby is born lifeless.
Doctors still haven’t confirmed the cause of HELLP Syndrome. However, mothers with high blood pressure are at risk for HELLP Syndrome, although this condition can also occur in mothers with normal blood pressure conditions.
Some of the conditions of mothers who are also estimated to have HELLP Syndrome are those who are over 25 years old and have given birth two or three times.
Mothers who have experienced HELLP Syndrome are also at risk of experiencing the condition again in their next pregnancy.
HELLP Syndrome Symptoms
Some of the symptoms often experienced by mothers with HELLP Syndrome such as Jessica Iskandar are:
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling, especially in the face and hands
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Nosebleed
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop as fast as usual
HELLP Syndrome Prevention
There is no way to prevent HELLP Syndrome. The best thing you can do is to keep yourself healthy before and during pregnancy. Mothers also need to pay attention to the symptoms of HELLP Syndrome.
Mothers need to consult a doctor, especially before birth. Tell your doctor if you have ever had HELLP Syndrome or have a family history of HELLP Syndrome, preeclampsia, or other blood pressure problems.
If you experience symptoms of HELLP Syndrome, the mother should immediately consult a doctor.
Source:
- Image: Hellerhoff, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Video: MedWatch Today