"...The most common first symptoms are abdominal pain or nausea and vomiting..."

Question: This is my 2nd pregnancy. My son was born at 34 weeks due to H.E.L.L.P which I knew NOTHING about before delivery.  I had a pretty severe case and truly thought we would not have any more children.  My husband actually, was the main one who was just way too scared. Our son has mild C.P. as a result and it has been a hard, emotional road for both of us. We decided to try again and I am monitoring

VERY closely.  (It's a girl!!) I am at 33 weeks and the doctor's office called and said my platelets are back up at 159 but protein in urine is 295. They said they don't like to see it above 300. I thought 100 or 150 was high.  Can anyone give me any reference to what is a "safe" number? I was already hospitalized last week because they thought my platelets dropped to 122 but stabilized at 140 so they sent me home. (Looks like may have been tested at a different lab and was inconsistent). I've already had 3 steroid shots so I think that helped quite a bit. I am sure I am more nervous than I realized. I would just appreciate any information anyone can lead me too.  Thank you for all your foundation does.  I had NO IDEA - I appreciate all you do to help get the word out.

Answer: A 24-hour urine protein of 300 mg is the defining limit for preeclampsia. 300 as the limit is fairly arbitrary; there is little clinical difference between 300 mg and 295 mg. Given your past history of HELLP and your proteinuria and your low platelet count, you are certainly developing preeclampsia. This is not surprising. The protein in your urine is not dangerous in and of itself.  It is a sign that you are developing preeclampsia, which can be dangerous.  
 
Is your BP OK?  
 
The main question is when to deliver.  Most babies after 33 weeks do very well. The complication your baby had at 34 weeks is unusual. It sounds as if your doctors are following you very closely.  I assume you are having NSTs to monitor the baby and they are fine.  They have probably been doing ultrasounds to assess the baby's growth.
 
You should be following your symptoms. The most common first symptoms are abdominal pain or nausea and vomiting. Headache and visual disturbances are also common.  If you have any of these, go to the doctor or the hospital.  They may find that you are OK, but it is important to go in.