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tls562
Starting Member
US
6 Posts |
 Posted - 10/14/2009 : 7:58:28 PM
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I just had my daughter one month ago. I had no problems my entire pregnancy but at 36 weeks experienced severe upper abdominal pain with contractions and went to labor and delivery. They said I had a severe case of HELLP and did an emergency c section right then. I had never heard of HELLP and didn't have any of the symptoms that are usually associated with it. Even my midwife was shocked by what happened. Thankfully my daughter and I are both okay now.
I'm 38 and my husband and I were planning on having a second child. Should I reconsider? I feel like I get a different answer from everyone I talk to. I've done a little research and it also seems to vary. Any advice would be appreciated. This is all very new to me. Thanks! |
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jfindley
New Member
US
68 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2009 : 11:02:55 PM
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| Congratulations on your new baby girl! I am sure you are still reeling from it all. HELLP can happen so suddenly and furiously. I also had hellp. I delivered (cesarean)at 26weeks and after a long battle in the NICU, my baby boy is home and healthy. I am still recovering and am facing my third surgery this year associated with possible underlying conditions for the hellp. I too am thinking about another pregnancy. I am aggressively pursing any and all possible underlying conditions to reduce my chances of getting hellp again. While my docs gave up long ago and pinned my hellp on a rare adrenal tumor, I have been persistent that all blood clotting disorders, autoimmune disorders etc be tested. We have since uncovered two other possible causes that I am getting treated for now. I have learned so much from this site. Before finding this site, I had no idea what some of the more common underlying conditions were and would have never asked to be tested. Learning everything I can about this horrible syndrome has given me some confidence to begin considering another pregnancy. I am sure as you read the stories of all the women here who have tried again, you will gain some more insight and confidence. Have you been tested for underlying conditions yet? |
Jessa(31)
Lucky Mom to amazing baby Isaac 11/15/08 26+1weeks 1 lb 13oz due to PE and severe HELLP
Underlying condition-adrenal tumor, pheochromacytoma. |
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Caryn
Ask the Experienced Moderator
USA
8780 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2009 : 11:27:37 PM
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Welcome to the forums, Tricia. I'm glad you've found us.
My best advice is to consult with a MFM, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. They specialize in these medically complicated pregnancies and could give you a good idea of your individual risks, including testing for any underlying conditions that might have predisposed you to HELLP like autoimmune conditions. Then you and your partner can make a decision that honors your values in the face of those risks.
HELLP has about a 5% recurrence rate, but women with a history of HELLP are at very high risk for preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies, so odds are that the MFM you work with preconception could also oversee any subsequent pregnancy Just In Case.
This place is huge. Holler with any questions, and welcome again. |
Science is getting us closer to finding a cause, and even a cure. The articles you don't want to miss:
The Preeclampsia Puzzle (New Yorker) and Silent Struggle: A New Theory of Pregnancy (New York Times)
Looking for recent articles and studies? Lectures from researchers? A chance to participate in research?
Caryn, who is not a doctor and who talks about science stuff *way* too much
DS Oscar born by emergent C-section at 34 weeks for fetal indicators, due to severe PE |
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tls562
Starting Member
US
6 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2009 : 12:00:32 AM
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Thank you both. I never heard that there could be underlying conditions that cause this. I'm going to ask about seeing a specialist at my next appointment. I'll ask to be tested. I hope they'll approve it. I have an HMO so who knows.
It is so nice to have the support of others who have gone through this. None of my friends or family had ever heard of it either so I don't think they understand. I am so glad that both of your little ones are okay too. My Abby is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me so even if I only have her I will feel blessed ;) My husband really wants another one though and due to my age we don't have a lot of time to decide.
I appreciate your responses! |
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isurvived
Starting Member
US
2 Posts |
Posted - 10/19/2009 : 4:48:29 PM
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I had HELLP beginning at 34 weeks of my first pregnancy. My symptoms were written off by my OB practice as being a stomach virus. By 36 weeks, I told my husband that I felt like I was dying and going to the hospital and not leaving until they figured out how to help me. Long story, short (I will post my whole story eventually), I had an emergency C-section at 36 weeks. Thank God my son was ok. I was not awake for the delivery and my husband was not allowed in the room. I did not see my son until he was 2 days old because I was in ICU. My platelets were 45,000 and I received numerous blood transfusions as well as the MAG (ugh, hate that stuff). After examining my son's records, I did learn that his initial APGAR was a 5- not so good, but he did improve and only spent 1 day in NICU (a level II). There are 7 docs in my OB practice. One doc told me that "there are other ways to have children, you know" and that I should not have any more natural children. That was 5 days after the birth, and very difficult to hear. The other 6 docs as well as a MFM specialist told me that the later in the pregnancy you developed HELLP, the better the odds for subsequent pregnancies. The faster you recovered from HELLP, the better the odds for the mother the next time around as well. In my case, they gave me an under 10% chance of developing HELLP or PIH/PE next time around. Of course, my son was such a darling of a child that we wanted more kids!
SO, here's some HOPE for you ladies...(and dads)...
Second pregnancy- DS, born at 41wks, 2 days, only disappointment was a failed attempt at a VBAC, but otherwise, NO HELLP, no nothing, perfectly normal pregnancy.
Third pregnancy- DD, born at 39 weeks, scheduled C-section, even more perfect pregnancy, no HELLP, no problems with her or me
However, I must add that I was a real pain in the neck with all of my doctors and I Don't Really Care what they think. I told every one (big group practice) at every appointment about my HELLP birth and asked them about everything they were doing to keep a close eye on me and the baby. I had to be my own advocate. I cannot stress that enough. If you elect to get pregnant again, you must tell your doctors that you want every test, extra bloodwork (esp. liver enzymes), and more ultrasounds because you don't want a bad outcome. If they don't listen, please GO FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR! Also, to make you feel better, you should really make sure the you will be delivering in a hospital with AT LEAST at Level II NICU (better a III)that is totally equipped to handle preemies. Don't worry about being a pain in the neck, just be the squeaky wheel for you and your baby. |
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atvlady
Advanced Member
US
856 Posts |
Posted - 10/19/2009 : 6:06:26 PM
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I had severe pre-e, severe HELLP and severe PIH that surfaced at 20 weeks. Our daughter did not survive and I almost died myself. I had symptoms at 16 weeks. My case is very rare.
Getting pregnant again is a individual decision that only you yourself can make. The way I see it, there is a 50/50 chance of these syndromes reoccuring. I know drs say less but in life, to me, my odds are 50/50. I think the number one thing is to find a dr who is experienced in these syndromes. Good luck. |
Delissa(37) Hubby(44)
#1 Rissa-Janelle "Darren" King born 6-6-09 10:33 p.m. passed 6-6-09 11:53 p.m. Twenty weeks one day gestational, 192 grams (6.8 ounces), 9 inches long. Severe PIH, severe Preeclampsia and severe HELLP.
Diagnosed with Hashimoto's, NAFLD, bad cholesterol, Diverticulitis, GB removal 2-10-2010, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia 4-5-2010. Liver is FINALLY normal after a 9 month fight due to HELLP YAY!
TTC #2 JULY 30,2010! |
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tls562
Starting Member
US
6 Posts |
Posted - 10/19/2009 : 8:01:45 PM
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| ISurvived - wow, your story sounds so much like mine. I also was in so much pain I told them I wouldn't leave the hospital either and thankfully my midwife was on duty that night and believed me when I told her something wasn't right. She was the one who said to run tests rather than let them send me home. My liver enzyme levels were so high and my blood platelets so low they said I probably would've have seizures if I would've been sent home. I also wasn't awake for the delivery and my husband wasn't allowed in the room. I thought it was so ironic that we purposely didn't find out what we were having because I wanted that moment when they say "it's a...!" and neither my husband or I were there for it :( I didn't get to see my daughter till she was 2 days old also....that was so hard. I couldn't even name her because I wanted to meet her first. But we are okay now and that's all that matters. It's encouraging to hear your story. Thanks for sharing. |
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amanda77
Starting Member
UK
5 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2009 : 07:52:33 AM
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In my first pregnancy I to had severe pre-e and I think I also had HELLP although this was never confirmed. I hadn't seen a midwife for 9 weeks as she was very busy and I was young, healthy and not at risk according to her!! At 37 weeks I suffered major rib pain at and called the Maternity unit at our hospital. The midwife there wanted me in right away. She checked my BP and the look on her face said it all. The Doctor decided to put me on BP meds and induce, however later that day my BP was no longer being controlled and my bubs movements were few. I was suddenly rushed for a section. Thankfully I was awake and my husband was present. My fantastic little boy Evan was born weighing 4lbs 8oz and 50cm in length. The PE had obviously had an effect on his weight but thankfully that was all. He wasn't in special care and I got to nurse him an hour or so after he was born. It took quite a few weeks after the birth to come off the meds but my BP eventually went back to normal.
I was quite scared about trying again but when my son was 18 months we decided to try again. I was watched like a Hawk this time by the doctors and midwife and had the best care I could ever ask for. I was monitored every two weeks by the midwife and had regular growth scans and consultant visits. My BP remained stable and no protein readings recorded. My gorgeous daughter Amber was born by section after a failed attempt at a VB at 41+3 weighing a healthy 7lbs 15oz. I was givev her right away and she fed within 20 minutes of birth.
There is always hope that the next time won't be such a frightening experience. I'm not having a 3rd as I have to gorgeous kids alreay and will always have a fear that pre-e could arise in a subsequent pregnancy. Good luck to all you ladies trying or pregnant. |
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atvlady
Advanced Member
US
856 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 9:23:44 PM
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| Update....after all of my dr visits and such the ONLY underlying condition I have is a non-alcoholic fatty liver. Since talking to my GI and OB, and at the advice of my OB, I have went on the South Beach Diet. I have been on it 5 days and WOW I can tell a difference already! We have postponed our TTC until February 2010. The reason for that is a healthy mom, is a healthy pregnancy is a healthy baby! Not to mention I have joined a study on HELLP to test for DNA so I am eagerly awaiting for that to yield results! Please keep us updated! |
Delissa(37) Hubby(44)
#1 Rissa-Janelle "Darren" King born 6-6-09 10:33 p.m. passed 6-6-09 11:53 p.m. Twenty weeks one day gestational, 192 grams (6.8 ounces), 9 inches long. Severe PIH, severe Preeclampsia and severe HELLP.
Diagnosed with Hashimoto's, NAFLD, bad cholesterol, Diverticulitis, GB removal 2-10-2010, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia 4-5-2010. Liver is FINALLY normal after a 9 month fight due to HELLP YAY!
TTC #2 JULY 30,2010! |
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tls562
Starting Member
US
6 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 9:57:44 PM
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| ATV - I was about 20 - 25 pounds overweight about 5 years ago and went on South Beach. I lost the weight, felt great and kept it off until I got preg. I still follow SB now that I've had my daughter and only have more 5 pounds to lose to get back to my pre preg weight. I don't consider it a diet...it's just the way I eat now. I don't crave the bad carbs and sugars like I used to....although I did when I was preg and did not follow SB while preg :) Good luck to you! I hope you have the same success and go on to have a great pregnancy. We talked with our midwife on Tuesday and she seems to think my chances of getting HELLP again are not very high. She said they'll just monitor me closely if we decide to have another one. Keep me updated on how you're doing. |
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atvlady
Advanced Member
US
856 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2009 : 10:04:22 PM
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| Tricia, yes I love the SB Diet! I lost 80 pounds on it last year and felt GREAT! I did slowly gain some of it back and hate it now. But I know how to do this diet and how to shed the pounds healthy. This is a excellent diet to be on while pregnant! Being on it just 5 days now and I can tell a difference in my clothes and the way I feel when I stand. I have askd my drs what my chances of my HELLP retruning was and they are reluctant to say cause I have a NAFL. I keep telling myself I have a 50/50 chance. Don't wanna build my hopes up too much :( |
Delissa(37) Hubby(44)
#1 Rissa-Janelle "Darren" King born 6-6-09 10:33 p.m. passed 6-6-09 11:53 p.m. Twenty weeks one day gestational, 192 grams (6.8 ounces), 9 inches long. Severe PIH, severe Preeclampsia and severe HELLP.
Diagnosed with Hashimoto's, NAFLD, bad cholesterol, Diverticulitis, GB removal 2-10-2010, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia 4-5-2010. Liver is FINALLY normal after a 9 month fight due to HELLP YAY!
TTC #2 JULY 30,2010! |
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