LAUSR

Introduction Women with a history of preeclampsia (PE)/HELLP syndrome have a twofold increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The psychosocial impact of such a high risk pregnancy is huge, especially in the first year postpartum. Women after PE/HELLP more often report anxiety, depressive symptoms, and display impaired memory and cognitive function that could affect their occupational activities. Follow-up of women with a history of PE/HELLP to assess occupational activity has not been done before. Objective/hypothesis The aim for this pilot study was to assess whether occupational activity is altered in women with a history of PE/HELLP. Methods An online survey was done among members (n = 211) of the Dutch HELLP Foundation (‘HELLP stichting’). Data were collected on medical and obstetric parameters. Work-related characteristics (work exposure, job control and job demands) and work related fatigue were measured using the short Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ-II), the “need for recovery scale” (NFR) and “recovery opportunities scale”. Results A total of 138 women (mean age 35.6 ± 5.7 years) completed all questionnaires. Participants were almost 5 years postpartum (mean 5 ± 4.9) and most were diagnosed PE/HELLP (80.4%). Only 11 participants (8%) reported to have fully recovered after pregnancy. Of the women who reduced working hours after index pregnancy (n = 127, mean reduction 9.3 h; p  Conclusion Occupational activity is affected by PE/HELLP, with an increased risk for less recovery and stress related problems.