What is Toxemia (Preeclampsia)?
Toxemia, more commonly known as preeclampsia, is a serious pregnancy-related condition that usually occurs after the 20th week of gestation. It is marked by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine, indicating kidney involvement. Preeclampsia can affect both the mother and baby, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications or even death.
Early detection and proper management are essential to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
What Are the Symptoms of Preeclampsia?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some women may not notice any signs until the condition is advanced.
Common Symptoms:
- High blood pressure (above 140/90 mm Hg)
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or face
- Sudden weight gain
- Headaches that don’t go away
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Upper abdominal pain, especially under the ribs on the right side
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reduced urine output
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
What Causes Preeclampsia?
The exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve problems with the development of blood vessels in the placenta.
Risk Factors:
- First pregnancy
- History of preeclampsia in previous pregnancies
- Multiple gestation (twins or more)
- Maternal age under 20 or over 35
- High blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy
- Obesity
- Diabetes or autoimmune conditions like lupus
- Family history of preeclampsia
How is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical signs and lab tests during routine prenatal visits.
Diagnostic Steps:
- Regular blood pressure monitoring
- Urinalysis to check for protein
- Blood tests to assess liver and kidney function
- Fetal ultrasounds to monitor the baby’s growth
- Non-stress tests or biophysical profiles to check fetal well-being
How is Preeclampsia Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how far along the pregnancy is.
- Mild Preeclampsia (Before Full Term):
- Close monitoring of blood pressure and fetal health
- Bed rest or reduced physical activity
- Frequent prenatal visits
- Medications to lower blood pressure if needed
- Severe Preeclampsia or Full-Term Pregnancy:
- Hospitalization for closer monitoring
- Medications such as magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
- Induction of labor or cesarean delivery if the condition worsens or the baby is mature enough
Complications of Preeclampsia?
If not treated, preeclampsia can lead to life-threatening complications for both mother and baby.
Possible Complications:
- Eclampsia (seizures)
- HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets)
- Organ damage (kidneys, liver, brain)
- Placental abruption
- Preterm birth or low birth weight
- Stillbirth
Living with or Preventing Preeclampsia?
While preeclampsia can’t always be prevented, early prenatal care helps reduce the risk of complications.
Tips for Management and Prevention:
- Attend all prenatal appointments
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy
- Eat a balanced, low-salt diet
- Stay active with doctor-approved exercises
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Take prescribed prenatal vitamins
Preeclampsia usually resolves after delivery, but some symptoms may persist for weeks postpartum. Follow-up care is essential to monitor recovery and prevent long-term health issues.