By skyforbes The appropriate medical management of HELLP syndrome varies based on the severity of the mother’s symptoms, as well as the gestational age of the baby (i.e., how long the mother has been pregnant). Often, the baby should be promptly delivered. Most experts agree that delivery is indicated in the following circumstances:
- Gestational age of
- The baby has died
- The baby is showing signs of fetal distress
- The mother’s health depends on prompt delivery.
Between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation, doctors generally evaluate the baby’s lung function to determine how well they would handle delivery (5).
Prior to delivery, the following measures may be taken to protect the health of the mother and baby:
- Bed rest
- Close monitoring of maternal and fetal conditions
- Blood pressure medications
- Blood transfusion (this may be necessary if platelet count is dangerously low)
- Corticosteroid administration to help prepare the baby’s lungs for the outside world
- Magnesium sulfate in order to prevent seizures
A Cesarean section used to be the recommended method of delivering babies in cases of HELLP syndrome. However, the American Pregnancy Association now recommends that women be given a trial of labor if they have a favorable cervix, are at least 34 weeks into their pregnancy, and there are no other complications (maternal or fetal) that would necessitate a Cesarean delivery. The Association makes this recommendation because women with HELLP syndrome may experience blood clotting problems if they have an operation (1).