HELP Syndrome in pregnancy - what are the chances of this recurring?

[twogorgeousboys]

Been reminded of this as Nickinha mentioned she had it (perhaps you know the answer Nickinha).

My sister developed HELP syndrome at the end of her last pregnancy. It was all very scary, we nearly lost her (she spent quite a long time in intensive care).

Its 10 years on, and as her big sis and kind of surrogate Mum since our Mum died, I'm trying not to worry about her too much now she's announced she's pregnant again. Am very happy for her as its what she and her dh wants, but would like some reassurance from anyone in the know.

promise not stalking tgb, butlins queen. I actually had elements of HELLP with my first pregnancy, basically, the H and LP, which affect the blood counts, but my liver was not affected. (Kidneys failed, though!!). As HELLP follows on from pre-ecalmpsia generally, the best thinh is to prevent the pre-eclampsia in the first place...
First step: get a copy of all notes from hospital
Second: contact APEC (action on pre-eclampsia) and they have a list of specialists around the country
Third: arrange a pre-pregnancy consultancy (i did this privately for about £80) for a pregnancy plan of attack
Fourth: get pregnant and see consultant immediately

I had in my second pregnancy baby aspirin all way through and hi dosage folic acid, then mega doses of vitamins C and E from about 15 weeks. (and was pre-eclampsia and hellp free)

If you have any problems finding apec or consultant, let ,e know

let me know, not e know, cos e knows nuffin

Thanks again beachyhead!

She will be going back to the hospital where she had the twins, this is partly why I feel so anxious because my Mum kept telling them there was something seriously wrong and to call the consultant, but she was repeatedly ignored.

Still, 10 years on, things have hopefully changed and they will be fully aware of her history. She's in the very early stages of pregnancy, but her GP has been very good and she is being referred immediately to the top consultant obs at the hospital, where she will receive all her ante-natal care.

Interesting that you took the aspirin, plus supplements etc, who recommended this?

Did you have to have your baby delivered early with the subsequent pregnancy, or were you able to go to term?

I think she should see someone ASAP so she can get on all this stuff. If she makes contact with APEC (www.apec.org.uk or 020 8863 3271) they can get advice for both her and her consultant. Also, don't rely on the hospital having prior knowledge of her - she should request a copy of her previous notes (my hospital charged £10) and I waived them at anyone who cared to listen. My recommendations for who put me on all this stuff was in my pre-pregnancy plan that was put together by a pre-eclampsia expert at Queen Charlottes in London, so when I got pregnant, I went to my GP with my letter and said 'could I have aspirin and folic acid?'. I also showed it to my consultant at the hospital who agreed to follow it to the letter. If consultants aren't happy to take the advice of a specialist, then I would change consultants.

I went to 37.5 weeks with no 2 and he was a healthy 7.5 lbs (versus 31 weeks and 3 lbs before). I was so delighted to have got past about 35 weeks.

I also had scans at 12, 20 and then every 4 weeks to 28 and then every two weeks afterwards to check on growth patterns.

There is also a big HELLP website run out the US, which has a lot of scary stories on it, but in there is sometimes some good advice. I got some comfort from it afterwards, although your sister might find it brings back horrid memories. Go to google.com and type HELLP syndrome.

Good luck to you all.