Pregnancy after severe pre-eclampsia/HELLP syndrome

[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

Hi OP. I'm currently 37 weeks with my second. I got HELLP syndrome at 38 weeks with my first and had to have an emergency section and had multi systems organ failure. Thankfully everything corrected itself once I'd had dd. This was 9 years ago. I've had a consultant led pregnancy this time with growth scans. My blood pressure has been fine throughout and I've just been signed off from consultant and given the go ahead to try for a natural birth.

Obviously your situation was different as you developed HELLP after birth. But I'm sure you will be closely monitored and reassured throughout another pregnancy. I was also told to take aspirin daily to encourage blood flow through the placenta. Also, try to remember that HELLP is very rare.

Good luck x

I had pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome with my first baby at 38 weeks. He stopped growing at 32 weeks but even with my concerns it was picked up until i was hit with pre eclampsia and rushed into hospital and induced. Baby born 7 hours later. I was on BP medication for a while post partum to get my levels back. I had severe hyperemesis as well throughout my pregnancy.

I got pregnant again 15 months later and was under a consultant very early on. They offered me aspirin as that's the guidance from 16 weeks but my body didn't cope with it at all. I was very closely monitored on a weekly basis from 25 weeks for BP, protein in urine etc. I was induced at 38 weeks again after baby stopped growing at 34 weeks and no pre-eclampsia or HELLP thankfully.

Wishing you the best of luck OP.