My HELLP Syndrome Story — How a Rare Pregnancy Complication Nearly Took My Life and My Baby’s

What is HELLP Syndrome?

HELLP syndrome is a rare but life-threatening pregnancy complication that usually develops in the third trimester. The acronym stands for:

        •       Hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells)

        •       ELevated Liver enzymes (indicating liver damage)

        •       LP - Low Platelet count (which affects blood clotting)

It is often considered a severe form of preeclampsia but can occur without the classic signs like high blood pressure or protein in the urine. Symptoms can include pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and swelling — all of which can be mistaken for normal pregnancy discomforts, making diagnosis difficult.

HELLP affects approximately 0.1% to 0.6% of all pregnancies, making it quite rare, but when it strikes, the risks are extremely high for both mother and baby, including liver rupture, stroke, organ failure, or death.

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My Personal Story: Surviving HELLP Syndrome at 32 Weeks

At 32 weeks pregnant, I started to feel that something was off. My symptoms didn’t scream emergency at first — some pain, a bit of nausea, and fatigue. I knew something was wrong, though, so I went to the hospital. Bloodwork was done, and I was told I might have HELLP syndrome but I didn't have high blood pressure - yet. It was a terrifying diagnosis — but what came next was even more surreal.

After this initial diagnosis, I was transferred to another hospital better equipped for high-risk preemie pregnancies. There, the doctors questioned the diagnosis because my blood pressure remained stable. Despite my symptoms and earlier test results, I was discharged. They believed it wasn’t HELLP syndrome after all.

I went home confused and scared — but within a day, everything crashed.

My symptoms returned with a vengeance. My liver began heading into failure, and my blood pressure skyrocketed. We were at death’s door, both my baby and I. I was rushed in for an emergency C-section. The situation was so dire that I had to be put completely under during surgery to prevent seizures — one of the many risks associated with HELLP.

At 6:45 PM, my son was born.

But the trauma didn’t end there. After the surgery, the mix of drugs I was given caused a terrifying reaction. Every time I drifted off to sleep, I would stop breathing — it was as if my brain forgot how. For the entire night following my surgery, two nurses and my husband stood vigil, forcing me to stay awake, talking to me constantly so I wouldn’t fall asleep and stop breathing. It wasn’t until morning, when the drugs started to wear off, that my body began to regulate on its own again.

Even then, I hadn’t yet met my son. He was in the NICU, and I was recovering in the ICU. We were both hooked up to machines, fighting our own battles to survive.

It wasn’t until the evening after his birth that I finally got to meet him. I was still groggy, still recovering — and honestly, I don’t remember that moment clearly. I only know it happened through the pictures my husband took. I was either too tired, too medicated, or both — my memories of that day come more from photos than from actual experience.

My son was born at just 3 pounds 11 ounces. He was on a CPAP for a couple of days and oxygen support for about a week. Despite his early arrival and small size, he did incredibly well. He tried to breastfeed, but quickly figured out the bottle was easier — and just like that, my nine-month journey of breast pumping began. I felt like a cow most days, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I would do anything for my son — my survivor.

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Why This Story Matters

HELLP syndrome is rare, but it’s real — and it can be fatal if not taken seriously. My story is proof that even with a “normal” blood pressure, HELLP can be hiding beneath the surface. My case was almost missed. It nearly cost both me and my son our lives.

If you’re pregnant and something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Push for answers. Ask for a second opinion. You know your body best.

I share my story not to scare, but to educate — and to let any other parents who’ve walked this road know: You’re not alone. You’re strong, you’re resilient, and you’re a warrior.

And if you’re holding your baby today after facing HELLP… you’re holding a miracle!