Having a second baby after HELLP

[lalelop]

I have read through some of these posts and please bear with me. My son was born at 31 weeks (3lbs 2oz - 1 month in NICU) due to eclampsia and HELLP (with seizures) - he is now a healthy and very active 2 year old!! After delivery I experienced acute liver failure and kidney dysfunction. Two years after delivery and my body is still recovering from all the issues. I should also point out that I had HG for the pregnancy as well - lost 1/3 of my body weight. I am writing here because I was informed by at least three different ob's as well as my gp that it would be very dangerous for me to get pregnant again; though obviously it is our choice. I have done a lot of research about HELLP trying to weigh my options. I have always wanted a large family - yet the possibility of this time being worse then last scares me. I want to thank all of you that have posted your experiences!

[kvirl]

It's great to hear that the 2d pregnancy was "normal". I wish all trying again the best and a PE/HELLP free pregnancies!!!

My husband and I are going to try again too - we've received the go-ahead for next month once my medication gets figured out (I'm on an ace-inhib for the kidney disease I got from HELLP)

Kristin

[lakensmommy]

i have the same "father" as the first pregnancy and had HELLP and so far so good with this pregnancy. only 2 more weeks to go.

[ajpratt]

Thank you for giving me hope!

[lilysmommymindy]

My MFM said the same thing, and luckily my 2nd pregnancy was completely normal! I know it's not true for all people but I hope my story can provide hope for people who are trying for a 2nd. Good luck to you! Take care!

[kbielec]

We've been trying - with no luck so far. I am still very nervous but kind of decided I have more to gain if I bring home a baby then if I never tried again. Thanks for all of your posts, they help!

[ajpratt]

WOW... I am glad they are watching you. I am scared to try for another, but would love to.

[SeattleMom]

I am also pregnant with my second after having a 31 week delivery and HELLP. My daughter was born in April 2007 so they will be 4 years apart. I waited longer mostly out of fear of doing it again.
My MFM is seeing me right from the start this time and put me on baby aspirin and labetalol. MY BP was high already in the 1st trimester so they're calling it chronic HTN. Anyway, I am hoping for the best. Some of the posts I'm reading on here are encouraging with others either not having again or having it later in the pregnancy. At least this time they will watch more closely and hopefully all will go ok.

[HopeAfterHELLPS]

I had HELLP Syndrome at 31 weeks in July 2009 and I just found out that I am pregnant again with my second. Initially we had decided that we wouldn't try for another but after talking with a specialist, we decided that we were willing to take the risk. The doctor told us that there is a high percentage of me getting preeclampsia but I wuold be closely monitored and most likely wouldn't be allowed to let it escalate to HELLPS. Even though there isn't too much research out there to give us peace of mind, she has seen that most cases happen later in a second pregnancy and don't get as bad. This gave us hope for the baby being born closer to full term and for me not to get as sick. The doctor also mentioned that having another again with my husband gave us better odds (not that another with someone else mattered). I have my concerns, but I am trusting that God will once again see us through. I am going to journal about my experiences and if anyone would like to follow our story you are welcome to. http://hopeafterhellps.wordpress.com/ Praying for a HELLP/preeclampsia free outcome for myself and others too!

[kerisue]

aren't you married? so you're kinda stuck with the same man so to speak.
I'm confused about this same man/different man issue- yes, I've seen that study about gaining "immunity" to the partner over time, so a 2nd pg might go better; but haven't I also seen stuff about the possibility of not having a good immune match with one particular partner so you're "at risk" each time you procreate? I don't know. One more reason to say I hate this inscrutable disease.