Toxemia of Pregnancy

WHAT IS IT?

It is a serious condition involving disturbance in blood pressure, kidney function and the central nervous system that may occur from the 20th week of pregnancy until 7 days after delivery, and can be dangerous both to the mother and the child.

WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS?

It is divided into Pre-eclampsia & Eclampsia

Mild pre-eclampsia:

  • Significant blood-pressure rise, even if still in the normal range.
  • Puffiness of the face, hands and feet that is worse in the morning.
  • Excessive weight gain (more than half a kilogram per week during the last trimester).
  • Protein in the urine.

Severe pre-eclampsia:

  • Continued blood-pressure rise.
  • Continued swelling and puffiness.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Headache/ Irritability.
  • Abdominal pain.

Eclampsia:

  • Worsening of above symptoms.
  • Muscle twitching.
  • Seizures.
  • Coma.

CAUSE

Unknown.

WOMEN MORE AT RISK

  • Poor nutrition.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Previous history of high blood pressure.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • First pregnancy. Toxemia during one pregnancy does not mean it will recur with subsequent pregnancies.
  • Smoking.
  • Excess alcohol consumption.

HOW TO PREVENT

  • Obtain good antenatal care throughout pregnancy.
  • Don't smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy.
  • Eat a normal, well-balanced diet during pregnancy. Take iron, vitamins and mineral supplements, as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Don't use medications of any kind, including non-prescription drugs, without consulting your doctor.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

  • Suggestive symptoms.
  • History and examiation by a doctor.
  • Laboratory blood studies of kidney, liver and blood-clotting functions.
  • Urinalysis to detect protein in the urine.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Stroke.
  • DIC.
  • Increased risk of high blood pressure unrelated to pregnancy after age 30.

WHAT MAY HAPPEN?

If diagnosed and treated throughout pregnancy, toxemia usually disappears without complications within 7 days after delivery. It is fatal in rare cases. If toxemia causes premature labor, the newborn's survival chances depend on its maturity. Fetal death is common.

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure.
  • Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures.

ACTIVITY

Rest often - this is important in controlling toxemia. Rest on your left side to help circulation.

DIET

A special diet will be necessary. Consult a dietitian.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

  • You have symptoms of mild toxemia at any stage of pregnancy. This is an emergency!
  • The following occurs during treatment:
    • Severe headache or vision disturbance.
    • Weight gain of 3 or more pounds in 24 hours.
    • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
    • Cramping abdominal pains.
    • EXCESSIVE irritability.