HELLP is an acronym for a pregnancy complication involving hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count. It’s a serious condition that may be a variation of preeclampsia, or severe hypertension in pregnancy; some women are diagnosed with preeclampsia before they develop HELLP, while others experience HELLP symptoms first.
Either way, HELLP can be dangerous: in most cases, baby will be delivered right away, even if you’re not full-term. This is because HELLP syndrome can cause serious and life-threatening complications for Mom and baby, including liver rupture, stroke, hemorrhage, placental abruption and clotting problems.