Medical
Pregnant after HELLP syndrome in first pregnancy
bloem
Dear everyone,
Our first baby was born via emergency C-section in 2012. I was admitted with pre-eclampsia; visual disturbances, seeing stars, feeling absolutely terrible. Within a few hours, HELLP syndrome developed. Meanwhile, our baby was under severe stress; the placenta was full of infarcts and wasn't functioning properly anymore. I was over 33 weeks pregnant at the time.
An emergency C-section followed, and after I was allowed to see our baby for just a few seconds on the operating table—wrapped in a blanket with a hat on—my baby was admitted to the neonatal unit, where I lay there alone. I barely had any awareness of what had happened. I went to see the baby shortly after. Hours later, I was finally allowed to hold our baby, and dad even a day later. No baby on my belly after birth, no first bottle, no first bath, nothing. 41 cm and 1750 grams, otherwise perfectly healthy. Thank goodness. Our baby developed sepsis a few days later, but the nursing staff reacted quickly and recovery was smooth. After 2.5 weeks, our baby was allowed to go home. Healthy and well.
Our baby deserved a good start; I would have wished that so much for our baby! Safe with dad and mom. Instead, our baby ended up in an incubator and a warmer, hooked up to monitors and getting poked for IV lines. Realizing this caused pain, a lot of pain. I felt, and sometimes still feel, a sense of guilt.
My recovery took a long time: physically, I was completely worn out, and it took over three quarters of a year to recover. My concentration and memory are still not what they used to be. Psychologically, the experience left a deep mark. I now enjoy our family to the fullest and have always dreamed of a large family. We want to try for a second child; the desire is greater than the fear. I had the PRIUS study done and will need to take blood thinners and calcium tablets during the pregnancy. Additionally, I will be under the supervision of an obstetrician.
I'm looking for women who have gone through the same thing; how did the next pregnancy go?
Love, Bloem
Our first baby was born via emergency C-section in 2012. I was admitted with pre-eclampsia; visual disturbances, seeing stars, feeling absolutely terrible. Within a few hours, HELLP syndrome developed. Meanwhile, our baby was under severe stress; the placenta was full of infarcts and wasn't functioning properly anymore. I was over 33 weeks pregnant at the time.
An emergency C-section followed, and after I was allowed to see our baby for just a few seconds on the operating table—wrapped in a blanket with a hat on—my baby was admitted to the neonatal unit, where I lay there alone. I barely had any awareness of what had happened. I went to see the baby shortly after. Hours later, I was finally allowed to hold our baby, and dad even a day later. No baby on my belly after birth, no first bottle, no first bath, nothing. 41 cm and 1750 grams, otherwise perfectly healthy. Thank goodness. Our baby developed sepsis a few days later, but the nursing staff reacted quickly and recovery was smooth. After 2.5 weeks, our baby was allowed to go home. Healthy and well.
Our baby deserved a good start; I would have wished that so much for our baby! Safe with dad and mom. Instead, our baby ended up in an incubator and a warmer, hooked up to monitors and getting poked for IV lines. Realizing this caused pain, a lot of pain. I felt, and sometimes still feel, a sense of guilt.
My recovery took a long time: physically, I was completely worn out, and it took over three quarters of a year to recover. My concentration and memory are still not what they used to be. Psychologically, the experience left a deep mark. I now enjoy our family to the fullest and have always dreamed of a large family. We want to try for a second child; the desire is greater than the fear. I had the PRIUS study done and will need to take blood thinners and calcium tablets during the pregnancy. Additionally, I will be under the supervision of an obstetrician.
I'm looking for women who have gone through the same thing; how did the next pregnancy go?
Love, Bloem
Replies
-
jessica Guest #2
On Facebook, you have little ones and NICU parents where you can also ask this question and they are definitely experienced.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
I myself am a mother of 2 NICU babies (now teenagers) but not due to HELLP.
Jessica Szabo -
Herma Guest #3
What a heavy story, dear. I can imagine how much this is still affecting you right now. I speak from experience; I also had HELLP. Maybe you'd find it comforting to read stories from others about their experiences with HELLP/pre-eclampsia. On the website www.hellpervaringen.nl, patients, partners, and healthcare professionals share their stories. It's insightful and informative. I created the site after speaking with many different people about their experiences. The site features a collection of all the interviews, and my own HELLP story is included as well.
Warm regards and strength, Herma -
Smiley #4
Best bloem, I recognize a lot in your story. I'm curious how you're doing now?
Add your reply
Share what helped you, or ask a question.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Continue with GoogleTakes a moment. You’ll come straight back here to reply.