TOXEMIA AND PRE-ECLAMPSIA
High blood pressure is a serious condition demanding treatment and vigilance whenever it's discovered. When it occurs during pregnancy, it is especially dangerous. An estimated 6-8% of pregnant women in the United States develop high blood pressure, also known as pre-eclampsia or toxemia, during pregnancy. It is unknown what causes pre-eclampsia or why some women develop it, but certain groups of women are at higher risk than others. Those who are at high risk are in their teens and over 40, women with an African-American heritage, women who are overweight, and those who have hypertension or diabetes. Pre-eclampsia is also more common in first pregnancies.
The symptoms of pre-eclampsia usually begin after the 20th week of pregnancy and include swelling of the feet and face, slight dizziness and light-headedness. (Note: some swelling and weight gain is normal with pregnancy.) Other signs of pre-eclampsia may include a sudden weight gain of more than two pounds a week, headaches or visual problems. These symptoms disappear with the birth of the baby. If left untreated, this condition may damage the mother's kidneys, brain, eyes and liver. It may also cause internal bleeding and weaken her heart. If the blood pressure rises to a very high level, seizures may result, and it as this point that the condition is called eclampsia and could be fatal to the mother and/or the baby. Also, untreated pre-eclampsia can cause the baby to be smaller than normal, to be delivered prematurely, and, in very severe cases, to be stillborn. This happens because pre-eclampsia causes arteries throughout the mother's body to constrict, decreasing the mother's blood flow to the placenta and reducing the amount of food and oxygen reaching the fetus. As a result, the fetus's growth slows down.
If you are pregnant the best way to prevent any harm from pre-eclampsia is to see your doctor for regular prenatal check-ups throughout your pregnancy. He or she will measure your blood pressure and test your urine for signs of pre-eclampsia and begin treatment immediately if there is a problem. Early intervention is essential because in early or mid stages, pre-eclampsia can be controlled. Treatment often includes complete bed rest, a low-salt, high-protein diet and medication. In most cases, once treatment begins, the symptoms reverse almost immediately and there is rapid recovery.
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