What is preeclampsia?
Once known as toxemia, it is caused by a defect in the
placenta which causes a pregnant woman's blood pressure to
rise, endangering mother and baby. Affecting about 7% all
pregnancies, it is the most common of the serious
complications of pregnancy. About one in 50 women are
afflicted by severe preeclampsia.

In severe cases, preeclampsia can be very dangerous to
both mother and baby. The mother could develop seizures
and, due to the possibility of a low platelet count caused by
the disease, could hemorrhage. In the meantime the baby
would be living in a hostile environment due to the elevated
blood pressure. There would be a reduced level of blood
flow to the baby, which would result in a reduced flow of
oxygen and nourishment.

Am I at risk of preeclampsia?
Those most at risk are women with family histories of
preeclampsia, long-standing high blood pressure or kidney
disease, pregnancy-induced diabetes, autoimmune diseases
such as systemic lupus, and those over 40 years old.

When in pregnancy does preeclampsia occur?
Preeclampsia is a disease that usually afflicts the second
half of pregnancy, usually within the last weeks of a
woman's term. In certain cases, such as those with risk
factors, it can occur much earlier.

What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
Some symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, upper-
right abdominal pain, swelling in the hands or face,
infrequent urination, and rapid weight gain. Unfortunately, many
of these symptoms are not specific only to preeclampsia;
many of them are also associated with a normal pregnancy.
Because of this, it is important to talk to your doctor about
preeclampsia to be sure.

The most common indicator of preeclampsia is an
elevation in blood pressure. For some wom

en, a blood pressure
of 130/80 can signal the condition, while others may not be
diagnosed until their blood pressure is much higher. It all
depends on the base blood pressure. If the upper number
goes up by 30 or if the bottom number goes up by 15,
preeclampsia is suspected.

How will my doctor be sure?
Blood tests can be done, and preeclampsia can be
indicated by a low platelet count or abnormal liver or kidney
test results. Protein in the woman's urine can also lead to
diagnosis of the situation.

Is there a cure?
Preeclampsia is curable only by delivery. In severe cases,
the doctor may insist on a caesarian section. Delivery of
babies early due to preeclampsia includes an added risk of
death due to prematurity.

Will preeclampsia reoccur?
About ten percent of women will have preeclampsia in a
subsequent pregnancy. The chances of reoccurrence
increase in women with high risk factors.

Are there any permanent side effects?
There are no long term effects associated with
preeclampsia. About ten percent of women with preeclampsia
may have high blood pressure for a few weeks after
delivery. Although it may cause very high blood pressure during
pregnancy, preeclampsia is not a predictor of high blood
pressure later in life.

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