What does severe abdominal pain in pregnancy feel like with HELLP syndrome?

The pain may be steady, severe, tender, or pressure-like. It can occur beneath the right ribs or in the upper middle abdomen and may be mistaken for indigestion. Nausea, vomiting, headache, visual changes, swelling, or feeling suddenly unwell may accompany it.

HELLP syndrome involves problems with red blood cells, liver irritation, and platelets. Most people with HELLP Syndrome notice severe abdominal pain in pregnancy, but pain alone cannot establish the diagnosis. Blood pressure checks and blood tests are needed, and pregnancy assessment may be required.

Contact your maternity unit or emergency service immediately for severe upper abdominal pain during pregnancy or after birth, especially with headache, visual symptoms, vomiting, or feeling faint. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Bring your medicines and pregnancy records if this does not delay leaving.

Emergency help is needed for severe or worsening pain, fainting, confusion, heavy bleeding, seizures, severe headache, difficulty breathing, or reduced fetal movement. HELLP syndrome can worsen quickly and requires assessment of both the pregnant person and baby.

Will you check my blood pressure, liver function, blood cells, and platelets? Could this pain have another cause? How will the baby be monitored? What treatment and observation are needed, and what symptoms require immediate return?