HELLP - have you had it?

[melissa.r]

My sister had HELLP which was diagnosed 3 days post birth (she probably had it in hindsight for the last couple of weeks of her pregnancy). Has anyone else had HELLP and what have you been told about the chances of reoccurance in subsequent pregnancies? What were your experiences? My sister had a homebirth and would like to have a homebirth again if she has another baby...

[Reidymac]

:wave: Hi Melissa.r, I think I might have responded to you the last time you asked this question. ( I had a simmilar experience to your sister, diagnosed post partum and requiring magnesium infusion etc)

I am getting close to the arrivial of baby #3 and have been told that I should be hugely dilligant about every little symptom because i am highly likey to experience this again :snow:

I always understood it was rare in 1st pregnancy, rarer in 2nd and almost unheard of in subsequent pregnancies. Apparently thats not so right in the case of Hellp. Get your sis to talk to the experts and get a second and third opinion.

[meagss]

Hi Melissa R

I know this thread was from last month, but I hope you're still around...

I had HELLP and severe Pre eclampsia in my first pregnancy (DS1 was born at 28 wks and didn't make it, but I'm not trying to scare anyone, just letting you know the facts). I was told I had about 40% chance of it reoccuring in my next pregnancy (and less with subsequent pregs after that).

I am happy to report that I had DS2 in July this year - he was healthy and full term and not a whiff of HELLP or PE in sight.

I'm not sure if your sister will be able to have a homebirth second time around or not, as she will be considered in the 'high risk' category; but I hope this is not the case for her and she is able to have the birth experience she so desires. I wish her all the best.

[naiwen]

Oh meagss :hugs: I too had HELLP and PE, I delivered at 30 weeks and my baby made it although we had some close calls. I am so glad to hear that you successfully carried a child to term after as this gives me hope, on the OP I think all you can to is give your sister as my support as you can.

[meagss]

Hi Naiwen, thanks for the hug... boy have I needed so many in last 18 months:yes:

I really feel for you, having been through NICU hell, not to mention fearing for your own health, but I'm so happy your little bubby made it. Makes you appreciate them sooo very very much, doesn't it. I'm guessing you're home safe and sound from the hospital now and I hope you're both going great guns :yelclap: