Preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome?

Preeclampsia is a condition which can develop in pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The causes of preeclampsia are not known. It is thought that it may be related to how the blood vessels develop in the placenta during pregnancy. There may also be a genetic component involved.  Often times the pregnant woman may be unaware of this developing condition until it is picked up by her health care provider during routine prenatal visits.

The typical signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• high blood pressure;
• protein in urine;
• headache;
• neck or shoulder pain;
• changes to vision or light sensitivity;
• difficulty breathing; and
• severe swelling in hands and feet.

When a pregnancy is affected by preeclampsia, the unborn baby may not receive enough oxygen and glucose through the placenta and may not grow as expected. This can be seen on ultrasound scans performed during pregnancy.

HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening liver disorder thought to be related to severe preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia can affect the way the blood clots, causing a breakdown of the oxygen carrying cells in the blood and injury to the liver. HELLP syndrome can occur silently, meaning without the pregnant woman being aware of it. It is therefore important to attend regular prenatal visits with your health care provider to ensure your pregnancy is progressing normally, and any potential signs and symptoms are picked up early.

Typical signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome, in addition to the above, include:

• abdominal pain (especially on the right side);
• vomiting;
• fatigue; and
• general feeling of being unwell.

Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome during pregnancy need careful monitoring and treatment. Left untreated, preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome can lead to serious – even fatal – complications for both the pregnant woman and her baby.

The pregnant woman is at risk of:

• stroke;
• severe bleeding; and
• seizures.

The baby is at risk of suffering a brain injury before or during delivery, or in rare cases, death.

The following should be carefully monitored in all pregnant women with signs or symptoms of preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome:

• blood pressure;
• protein in urine;
• blood work, in particular kidney and liver function tests;
• swelling of hands and feet; and
• fetal growth.

If signs or symptoms of preeclampsia arise, the main treatment for preeclampsia is delivering the baby. For some mild cases, a pregnant woman may be advised to rest and only stand when needed. Others may be advised to be monitored in hospital until labour begins or labour is induced. In severe cases, expediting delivery by way of urgent caesarian section is necessary to protect the pregnant woman and her baby’s health.

Prior to delivery, medications may also be used such as:

• medications to help to lower blood pressure;
• magnesium sulphate to help prevent seizures;
• corticosteroids to help both the clotting ability of the pregnant woman’s blood and the development of a premature baby’s lungs.

If you developed preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome in your pregnancy and feel you were not monitored closely or treated promptly, or if you have concerns about how you were cared for during your pregnancy and delivery, then please contact us – we would like to help. We have a team of experienced lawyers and medical specialists who can review the medical care you received and help answer your questions. We will provide you with the information and advice you need to make informed decisions about your child’s future and ensure your child’s rights are protected.  Rest assured – the consultation is confidential and free of charge.