Bonnie: Emergency Cesarean At 27 Weeks Due to HELLP Syndrome, NICU Stay

This is part 1 of 2. Bonnie joins us today to share the story of her daughter, Sabrina! Bonnie and her husband met in college and married in 2018. They decided to start trying to start a family around 2020. When they went in for their “confirmation” appointment, they were met with the news of a miscarriage and decided to move forward with a D&C.

They tried again and got news in December 2020 that they were expecting again, with the baby due in August. Around 27 weeks, Bonnie went to bed one night and felt so terrible. She called the hotline and was told she could come in the morning or go to the hospital. She felt as things were getting more serious and left for the hospital at 2am. She was quickly sent to L&D and after a few tests was told that she could have a stroke or seizure at any moment. The L&D team kept her comfortable, prepared her that she would be having a baby that weekend. She had to transfer to a hospital due to the NICU team and had to go under anesthesia for the delivery. Her daughter, Sabrina, was born at 27 + 4. Bonnie had a fairly easy recovery but Sabrina was in the NICU for the next four months. They made it through a long road of recovery ahead of them but at 18 months, Sabrina is thriving and excited to become a big sister!

Part 2 will be out next week where Bonnie gets more into detail about her postpartum experience and we bombard her with questions! 

Bonnie was pregnant during the recording of this episode and hoped to make it further along in her pregnancy this time. She recently gave birth to her second daughter in December 2022 at 29 weeks. 

Hellp Syndrome: A Serious Complication During Pregnancy

Hellp syndrome is a life-threatening condition that can develop during pregnancy and cause serious health problems for both the mother and the baby. This condition is a type of pregnancy-related liver and blood clotting disorder that affects about 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies.

Symptoms of Hellp Syndrome

The symptoms of Hellp syndrome include:

  1. Elevated levels of liver enzymes: This can cause pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, which is the area of the liver.
  2. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia): This can cause bruising and increased risk of bleeding.
  3. Hemolysis: This is the breakdown of red blood cells, which can cause anemia and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors associated with the development of Hellp syndrome, including:

  1. Preeclampsia: This is a condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy.
  2. Advanced maternal age: Women who are older than 35 years of age are more likely to develop Hellp syndrome.
  3. Previous history of Hellp syndrome: Women who have had Hellp syndrome in a previous pregnancy are at higher risk of developing it again.
  4. Multiple pregnancy: Women who are carrying more than one baby are at higher risk of developing Hellp syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If a woman is suspected of having Hellp syndrome, her doctor will perform a physical exam, blood tests, and a liver function test. The treatment for Hellp syndrome depends on the severity of the condition, but typically involves delivering the baby as soon as possible, either through induction of labor or cesarean section.

In severe cases, the mother may require hospitalization for monitoring and management of her condition. Treatment may also include blood transfusions and medications to control the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Conclusion

Hellp syndrome is a serious complication during pregnancy that can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of Hellp syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health problems and ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.

Sure, here are some additional symptoms of Hellp syndrome:

  1. Headache: This is a common symptom of Hellp syndrome, which can be severe and persistent.
  2. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur as a result of elevated liver enzymes and can be severe in some cases.
  3. Fatigue: Many women with Hellp syndrome experience extreme fatigue, which can be a result of anemia or other factors.
  4. Abdominal swelling: This can occur as a result of fluid accumulation and liver enlargement.
  5. Visual changes: Some women with Hellp syndrome experience visual changes, such as blurred vision or seeing spots, which can be caused by changes in blood pressure.
  6. Upper right abdominal pain: This can be a result of elevated liver enzymes and liver damage.
  7. Rapid heartbeat: This can be a result of elevated blood pressure, which is a common complication of Hellp syndrome.

It’s important to note that the severity and specific symptoms of Hellp syndrome can vary from woman to woman, and some women may experience only a few of these symptoms while others may experience many. If you are experiencing symptoms of Hellp syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

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