What is HELLP syndrome?
HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious illness in pregnancy. This illness can start quickly, most often in the last 3 months of pregnancy (the third trimester). It can also start soon after you have your baby. HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels and a Low Platelet count. These are problems that can occur in women who have this syndrome.
Women who have HELLP syndrome may have bleeding problems, liver problems and blood pressure problems that can hurt both the mother and the baby.
HELLP Syndrome: Recognition and Perinatal Management by Maureen O'Hara Padden, LCDR, MC, USN (American Family Physician September 01, 1999, http://www.aafp.org/afp/990901ap/829.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff