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Does HELLP syndrome cause severe abdominal pain in pregnancy?

Where Severe Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Severe Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Severe Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy is a common presentation of HELLP Syndrome and needs urgent medical assessment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Associated condition
HELLP syndrome
Action
Severe pain in pregnancy needs urgent assessment

Why HELLP can cause pain

HELLP stands for haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count. The condition is linked with pregnancy-related blood pressure problems and can affect the liver. Pain may be felt under the ribs on the right side or in the upper abdomen, and nausea or vomiting can occur alongside it.

Pain has several possible causes during pregnancy, so pain alone cannot identify HELLP syndrome. Clinicians may check blood pressure, urine, blood tests and the baby’s wellbeing to look for signs of the condition and decide on treatment.

What to do now

If you have severe abdominal pain while pregnant, contact your maternity unit or urgent medical service immediately, especially with headache, visual changes, swelling, nausea, vomiting or feeling suddenly unwell. Do not wait for a routine appointment or rely on home monitoring. Tell the team how far along the pregnancy is and where the pain is located.

When urgent help is needed

Emergency assessment is needed for severe or persistent pain, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, vaginal bleeding, seizures, or reduced fetal movement. HELLP syndrome can worsen quickly, and early assessment allows clinicians to monitor the pregnant person, liver and blood clotting, as well as the baby.

Questions for your doctor

Could my symptoms indicate a pregnancy-related blood pressure disorder? Which blood and urine tests will you perform? How will you monitor my baby and decide on treatment?

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General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Where can HELLP-related pain occur?

It may occur in the upper abdomen or under the ribs, often on the right, but symptoms can vary.

Can HELLP syndrome occur without obvious pain?

Yes. Blood pressure and laboratory changes may be present without a typical pain pattern, which is why antenatal checks matter.

Keep reading

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.