? about low platelets - induced for HELLP

[sunrise3]

I'm new here, so I hope this is posted in the correct place.

I was induced at 39 weeks with my 3rd baby becasue of HELLP syndrome. My plan was to have a waterbirth at a birth center. My baby was breech, so at 39 weeks, after weeks of trying to get her to turn, I was referred to an OB at the near by hospital for an external version. The OB did an u/s and a blood work up. I was called at home and told to come in the next morning for the version and an imediate indcution as I had HELLP. This scared me. I new my platelets were on the low side, but my midwife had said they were not low enough to worry. I called her and she told me they had dropped some more and that the OB really believed an induction was nessecary. So I agreed and my daughter was born the next day in the hospital after a sucsseful external version.

This brings me to my ?. I was recently going over my chart and noticed my blood platetlets were at 104,000 at their lowest. My ALT was 37, AST 29. Platelets were 170 in the 1st trimester, and 132 at 32 weeks. After doing some research on the web/books, I'm doubting that I did have HELLP. My blood preasure was exellant - 110/70 befor the version and I had no other signs or syptoms of HELLP. I felt great. Am I wrong in thinking that the induction was probably not necessary? I understand that HELLP can be a very serious issue, which is why I quickly agreed to the induction.

This is one of the websites I found.
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3480.htm

Thank you very much for reading this and for any thoughts you might have.

Dawn

[mamato3cherubs]

Sorry I cant help you, as I know nothing about HELLP. I do think it is good for you to be researching it even now though, as it can really help the healing process after a birth that didnt go just how you wanted.

But really my point to my reply, can I ask where in southern Oregon you are? I dont see many people on here from the area, so I thought id ask!

[sunrise3]

Hello Lisa, I am in Brookings OR, on the coast. Where are you? I noticed you are a doula in training. I am just begining the doula training - joined DONA and am waiting for my packet and doing lots of reading.

I am pretty disapointed that I ended up with a hospital birth. She is my last baby and my other two were hospital births(both wonderful experiences) so I really wanted to experience birth outside of the hospital setting. I also do not like the idea of induction usless it's absolutly necessary.

[Satori]

A really great place to ask would be http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hellpsyndrome :)

[mamato3cherubs]

Hello Lisa, I am in Brookings OR, on the coast. Where are you? I noticed you are a doula in training. I am just begining the doula training - joined DONA and am waiting for my packet and doing lots of reading.

I am pretty disapointed that I ended up with a hospital birth. She is my last baby and my other two were hospital births(both wonderful experiences) so I really wanted to experience birth outside of the hospital setting. I also do not like the idea of induction usless it's absolutly necessary.
You really ARE southern Or. !! I am all the way up in Roseburg. There is only one other Doula in my area and she actually works for one of the OBs here. So I think I have my work cut out for me on teaching the public.
I understand what you are saying to. I had good hospital experiences but would have like to experience the difference myself as well. I hope you can find the awnsers you are looking for. Induction can be a difficult thing to cope with. Congradulations one a healthy new one though!