Pre-Eclampsia

By: Bradley G. Goldberg, M.D.

Pre-Eclampsia, sometimes referred to as "toxemia", is a disease of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy. The condition is unique to human pregnancy, and is diagnosed when a when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and swelling after the middle part of her pregnancy.

We are still not sure what the cause of pre-eclampsia is but some experts believe that it may be an autoimmune condition, similar to Lupus. Women at risk for pre-eclampsia include teenagers and women over the age of 40 who are pregnant. Women who have had pre-eclampsia with a previous pregnancy are at a slightly higher risk for it to recur with a subsequent pregnancy.

There is no adequate means of preventing pre-eclampsia. Because of this, it is very important that women keep their prenatal appointments so that their doctor can monitor for signs of pre-eclampsia. These signs include blood pressure greater than 140/90, rapid weight gain, severe swelling (though keep in mind that some swelling is normal in pregnancy), and high amounts of protein in the urine.

Symptoms include severe headaches that do not respond to Tylenol, visual disturbances, or pain in the upper right abdomen. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia could progress to eclampsia that could involve severe anemia, liver dysfunction and even seizures.

The cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby, and most women improve rapidly after this. However, this is only an option for women who are near their due date. For women with babies who are very premature, in-patient hospitalization may be required until the baby is mature enough for delivery, or until the condition worsens to the point that delivery must be performed regardless of prematurity.
 

Copyright © 2002 Coffee Women's Center, All Rights Reserved.