Medical
pregnancy-induced hypertension & eclampsia/ HELLP syndrome
N. Coppola
Hi ladies,
I wanted to ask if anyone has had pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia) or HELLP syndrome, or knows someone who has, and still went on to have a problem-free pregnancy afterwards.
A friend of mine had this when she was 7 months pregnant. They rushed her into an emergency C-section because otherwise, both she and her baby wouldn't have made it.
Her daughter is now 2 years old, but she has such a strong desire to get pregnant again, yet she's too scared!
Which is completely understandable, of course. But I don't want her to live with regret for the rest of her life, knowing that it might actually be possible... I mean, maybe there are tests that can show whether the next pregnancy would be like that too, or is it hopeless anyway?
Hopefully, I'll get lots of positive responses.
Best wishes
I wanted to ask if anyone has had pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia) or HELLP syndrome, or knows someone who has, and still went on to have a problem-free pregnancy afterwards.
A friend of mine had this when she was 7 months pregnant. They rushed her into an emergency C-section because otherwise, both she and her baby wouldn't have made it.
Her daughter is now 2 years old, but she has such a strong desire to get pregnant again, yet she's too scared!
Which is completely understandable, of course. But I don't want her to live with regret for the rest of her life, knowing that it might actually be possible... I mean, maybe there are tests that can show whether the next pregnancy would be like that too, or is it hopeless anyway?
Hopefully, I'll get lots of positive responses.
Best wishes
Replies
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Iza #2
I had pre-eclampsia with my first pregnancy, and with the second as well. Since I was induced for the second one and the birth was really tough, it also holds me back from wanting to get pregnant a third time. I'd really recommend your friend talk to someone or maybe try EMDR therapy to make that fear and trauma more manageable so it doesn't get in the way anymore.
By the way, the chance of getting pre-eclampsia with a second pregnancy is considerably smaller than with the first. And the gynecologist (and she herself) is better prepared for any potential complications. -
N. Coppola started this #3
Good morning Iza,
Thanks for your reply, I'll let her know as soon as possible.
I've already told her several times that she needs to get tests done and ask a gynecologist who specializes in difficult pregnancies, but she remains stubborn. On the other hand, she's sad that she might never have other children!
I don't know anymore
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Herma Guest #4
Hi everyone,
Maybe the threshold for your friend to ask for help right now feels too high. I would still recommend she does, though. Besides the practical, medical info about HELLP/pre-eclampsia and the chances/risks in a next pregnancy, it’s also nice to be able to share your story after such an intense experience. You think you’re just having a healthy pregnancy and then suddenly something happens that puts you and your baby in danger. By the way, HELLP/pre-eclampsia is also very intense for partners. Such a difficult pregnancy leaves its mark; it’s logical and understandable that she’s intensely worried about whether this could happen to her again.
Who knows, maybe you (or she) would like to read the experiences of other women, their partners, and their healthcare professionals in peace. On the site www.hellpervaringen.nl, which I started, you’ll find many stories and interviews from people who have gone through this too. My own story is there as well. After a dramatic first pregnancy in which we lost our daughter, I eventually had two healthy sons.
I’m sending a link to an interview with a woman who talks about her fear of getting HELLP again during her second pregnancy. Fortunately, this pregnancy went well and she didn’t develop HELLP, so you see, it can also go like this! http://hellpervaringen.nl/interview6.html
Warm regards, Herma -
N. Coppola started this #5
OOH thanks Herma
I'll definitely pass it on, first read it myself because knowing her! She always sees the negative side
but I understand that well
Greetings -
Herma Guest #6
Well, that risk is indeed there... ;-) But who knows, she might also find comfort in it, (re)gain recognition, and ultimately take the step to seek help. And possibly, you could support her again because you’ve learned more about it. I can also recommend the interview about haptonomy. The title is quite telling: 'Haptonomy as prevention in turbulent times'. http://hellpervaringen.nl/interview18.html
Lastly: if you’re enthusiastic about the HELLP-ervaringen site, do share it with others. The more people know about it, the happier I am.
Warm regards, Herma
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