When a woman becomes pregnant, there are several conditions or birth injuries to which she can become susceptible. One of these is when women develop a group of issues including hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and a low platelet count. In short, this is called HELLP syndrome. This affects less than 1% of pregnant women, but there are some things that you must be aware of if you have developed this condition.
The Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome
To start, hemolysis is a situation in which the red blood cells break down and could lead to anemia, affecting the oxygen in the body. Elevated liver enzymes are a sign that the liver is not functioning as it should. It can lead to high amounts of enzymes and other chemicals entering the blood. Platelets are essential to helping the body fight blood clotting. Low platelet counts leave the mother at risk for excessive bleeding.
If you notice the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache and tiredness
- Stomach pain
- Swelling in certain extremities
- Heartburn
- Shoulder pain
- Weight gain
- Blurry vision
- Pain during deep breaths
It is believed that one of the highest factors in developing HELLP syndrome is preeclampsia. Unfortunately, this causes high blood pressure in pregnant women and the only way to remedy the situation is to deliver the baby.
Preeclampsia is a condition that, if not treated in a timely manner, can result in serious injury, or even death. Complications include problems with bleeding, liver damage, and abruption of the placenta.
If you or your baby has been harmed as a result of a medical professional’s negligence or inaction, call Aldous \ Walker today. Our birth injury attorneys work with clients to seek compensation. If your loved one died due to HELLP syndrome, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Don’t hesitate to take the first step to justice.