Coping with HELLP Syndrome after Delivery

Like eclampsia and other forms of pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome can occur without warning following the birth of a child. This can be quite frightening for a new mother and her family, as the mothers body can begin shutting down with devastating speed, but the illness need not cause permanent damage when managed properly.

Post-Delivery Onset

Post-partum preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome can be quite confusing when they occur, as delivery or abortion of the baby is considered to be the treatment for these diseases. The first 48 hours after delivery are generally the most dangerous, and intensive care may be necessary to support a womans body until her organs begin functioning properly again. However, symptoms can occur as many as six weeks after delivery. Late occurrences like this can be dangerous, as many women will dismiss indicators like edema and headaches as simple post-delivery fatigue.

Immediate Response

HELLP syndrome involves an autoimmune response to the conditions of pregnancy, and a womans body should begin to regulate itself properly once the hormones signaling pregnancy have ceased production. However, this hormonal shift is not immediate; once an afflicted woman has given birth, she should be monitored within an ICU for 24-48 hours after labor to ensure that complications do not arise. HELLP syndrome can be a serious and life-threatening condition, and should not be taken lightly even if delivery occurs without incident.

Possible Complications

Any number of complications may require immediate intervention in cases of post-partum HELLP syndrome. Renal failure will require dialysis, and in most cases the damage to the red blood cells of the patient must be remedied via a blood transfusion. If the liver ruptures, surgical intervention may be required. Intravenous sulfate has been shown to have a beneficial effect in some cases, and medications to reduce blood pressure may help with the risk of stroke and blood clots.

Recovery Prognosis

Death rates among women who develop post-partum HELLP syndrome are low, but the disease can be extremely physically traumatic, and it may take as many as three months for patients to recover. Women recovering from preeclampsia should take steps to curb and control any underlying hypertensive issues, and may continue taking antihypertensive or corticosteroid medications if necessary.

Caring for an Infant after HELLP

Any birth is physically traumatic, but women recovering from HELLP may wish to seek out extra support when it comes to caring for their new babies. Some premature infants will spend the first few months of their lives in the ICU on a ventilator, but those healthy enough to go home before then will require all of a new moms energy and care. In these cases, it may be helpful to hire a doula or registered nurse to help nurture the new mom while she recovers from the stress of her illness.

HELLP syndrome after delivery can be even more stressful and frightening than the pre-birth form of the illness, as it is often unexpected and sudden. However, with proper medical care and adequate recovery time, almost all mothers will recover within a few weeks or months, and will soon be home with their new babies.

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