Having a second baby after HELLP

[kbielec]

My MFM told me that it was "better" if the father would be the same if I was going to try again after HELLP. My OB told me the same thing last week at my annual. Not sure why really - but I'll take it! Any little help I can get!

[milesymommy]

This is my third time trying to reply to this post, lets see if it goes through this time... lol
Look at Caryns signature for some of the studies. It used to be thought that having the same partner would decrease risk. However, the correlation of recurrance seems to be linked more to length between pregnancies and not same or different partner. Typically, if you have children with different partners there is a larger gap between children. If there is a large gap between children with the same partner, the risk of developing it is about the same as if it was with a different partner.

[ajpratt]

Thanks so much, milesymommy! I will be sure to check those out! (should have known Caryn would have something)

[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.

[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!

[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.

[ajpratt]

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

[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!

[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!

[ajpratt]

Thank you for giving me hope!