Toxemia of Pregnancy
Toxemia of pregnancy sounds quite scary, but in fact it is nothing but preeclampsia. This is a severe condition that may occur in the final weeks of pregnancy. The first main symptom is high blood pressure but also there can be swollen limbs, face, as well as increased amount of protein in the urine. Toxemia of pregnancy is a serious condition and if it is left untreated, it may cause coma to the patient and in some cases, a stillborn baby.
The name toxemia originates from the time when it was thought that this condition was caused by poisonous (toxic) substances in the blood, which of course is not true. This condition today is usually called preeclampsia prior the convulsive stage, and eclampsia afterward.
Doctors are not fully sure what causes toxemia of pregnancy. It is more frequent in mothers who are in their teen years and who come from lower social and economic groups. There are theories that food deficiency cause this condition, or at least may be one of the causes. Another theory states that deficiency of the blood flow in the uterus can cause this condition.
The symptoms of this condition can be divided in three stages, and if they are not treated right, toxemia of pregnancy may end with death of the patient. If the woman is experiencing mild symptoms she will suffer from swollen ankles. This is usually fluid accumulation in the body tissues, right below the skin. The patient’s blood pressure may get increased a little bit and she can also have smaller amounts of protein in her urine.
In the worse case of this condition, the harsher symptoms can include very high blood pressure, high amounts of proteins in her urine, also headaches and nausea, and very often vomiting, pain in the upper part of the abdomen, as well as double vision and dizziness.
In the worst cases, this condition can cause convulsions and coma.
Toxemia of pregnancy cannot be completely treated, at least not until the woman gives birth to her baby. Until then, the doctor needs to include constant control of her blood pressure. The patient will also need medicaments that will prevent convulsions (given intravenous). Also, the patient may need drugs that will stimulate her production of urine. If the condition is severe and threatens the life of the patient, early delivery of the baby is recommended.
Many women are interested to know how they can prevent themselves from getting this condition, but unfortunately, toxemia of pregnancy cannot be prevented. Doctors will usually suggest lower intake of salt (in order to reduce the ankle swelling). This does not mean the blood pressure will get lower nor it will anyhow influence the increased amount of protein in the urine of the patient.
While the woman is pregnant, routine checks of weight are needed, as well as constant measuring of blood pressure and check of the urine. This way, doctors can detect toxemia early and will be able to give proper treatment of the patient.
Daniel
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!