Pregnancy after HELLP syndrome/severe preeclampsia

[dh8892]

I’m looking for those that went on to have a second pregnancy after suffering severe pre eclampsia or HELLP syndrome.

To put it into context…

I developed preeclampsia in 2021 at 36 weeks with my first and was admitted. I was induced and had my c section at 37+2.

Day 1 of being home after being discharged, the midwife visited for the normal check up at home. I was immediately blue lighted within her being at our house for less than 10 minutes and declared a medical emergency and returned to hospital.

I had developed postpartum HELLP syndrome and suffered loss of vision, high and uncontrolled blood pressure, kidney and liver failure.

I remained in hospital for just over 3 weeks. It then took 2 years to come off the blood pressure medication. I am now tested annually for my liver and kidney function.

My husband and I are desperate to extend our family but of course given the above we are so frightened.

Has anyone else gone on to have a second pregnancy after severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome? I would LOVE to hear your experiences!!

xx

That sounds like a very scary experience.

I was diagnosed with severe pre eclampsia and HELLP at 37 weeks, baby was delivered within hours of me seeing my midwife and we stayed in hospital for several weeks. I wasn't on medication for as long as you were and haven't had any long lasting effects on my health.

I had a 2nd baby 2.5 years after my 1st. I took low dose aspirin throughout (on medical advice) and had very frequent scans from 20 weeks in case the baby's growth showed signs of slowing which could have been an early sign of PE. Everything was fine though and it was a very smooth pregnancy.

A friend who had post partum HELLP with her 1st went on to have a 2nd with no issues.

Maybe it is worth seeing if you can have an appointment with a midwife or consultant before TTC to talk through how a 2nd pregnancy would be managed?

Wishing you all the best!

I'm so sorry you had to go through this.

With my first, I developed severe pre-eclampsia at 36 weeks and was induced within hours. It ended up in an emergency c-section due to HELLP syndrome, and I became very very poorly. It was terrifying so I completely understand why you are worried about it happening again, as I was the same.

With my 2nd, I was on aspirin from 16 weeks and had a totally normal and healthy pregnancy/birth (another emergency c-section but for other reasons not related to what I went through with my first). I was monitored very closely throughout my 2nd pregnancy and was on the red pathway so I felt confident that any issues would be picked up on. I hope that reassures you a little.

I was told I had HELLP syndrome at 37 weeks during a routine midwife appt with my eldest. Mad dash to hospital, emergency c-section under general anaesthetic, kidney & liver failure etc.

I had my 2nd three years later - saw a consultant pre-conception, low dose aspirin from 16 weeks, regular scans and a planned c-section at 38 weeks. It was a long time ago but hope it’s another reassuring story.

Another HELLP survivor and a virtual hug - atypical HELLP diagnosed at 38weeks, induced within 2hours, baby healthy but we spent 10days in hospital, including multiple blood transfusions and emergency surgery for me.

I was prescribed aspirin from as soon as I fell pregnant with my second - although due to HG barely took any (several stays in hospital due to the HG). Blood tests every week from 16weeks, as low platelets was the only early symptom. Planned c section at 38weeks - all healthy!

One thing I found helpful was to request my full medical notes from my first, it was incredibly emotional reading them (took me a couple of sitting to get through them) but it gave me insight into the days that I have no memory of.

I'd recommend asking the hospital for a debrief and counselling on the risks. I had HELLP with my son and the debrief was really helpful in understanding the risks of trying again. Secondary infertility unfortunately meant it didn't happen but I was reassured that the risks of trying were manageable.