HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening condition that can potentially complicate pregnancy. It is named for 3 features of the condition: Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels, and Low Platelet levels. It typically occurs in the last 3 months of pregnancy (the third trimester) but can also start soon after delivery. A wide range of non-specific symptoms may be present in women with HELLP syndrome. Symptoms may include fatigue; malaise; fluid retention and excess weight gain; headache; nausea and vomiting; pain in the upper right or middle of the abdomen; blurry vision; and rarely, nosebleed or seizures."

Source : US NIH, NCATS

It affects around 0.5 to 0.9% of all pregnancies, i.e. many millions per year. About 70% of the cases develop before delivery, the majority between the 27th and 37th gestational weeks; the remainder within 48 hours after delivery.

The cause(s) of HELLP are currently unknown. though it's markedly more common in women who have pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy). Some women, however, develop HELLP syndrome without showing signs of these conditions

More technical information : BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth

Also see :Pre-eclampsiaplugin-autotooltip__plain plugin-autotooltip_bigPre-eclampsia

"Pre-eclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by the onset of high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine. When it arises, the condition begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In severe cases of the disease there may be red blood cell breakdown, a low blood platelet count, impaired liver function, kidney dysfunction, swelling, shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs, or visual disturbances. Pre-eclampsia increases the risk of poor outco…