Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy. It can be managed when caught right away. If left untreated, it can have fatal results for both mom and baby.

Preeclampsia has become a common problem during pregnancy. The condition is defined by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Though there is excess protein in the urine, it is not caused by too much protein (often by not enough protein). It is sometimes referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension. The raise in blood pressure may often be just a modest increase. If it is untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious, and possibly fatal complications.

Preeclampsia is stopped with the delivery of the baby. If preeclampsia develops near the end of the pregnancy, delivery is a safe option. When the diagnosis with preeclampsia occurs earlier in the pregnancy, there is the delicate balance of prolonging the pregnancy to allow the baby more time to mature without putting the mother and baby at risk of serious complications.

Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can develop gradually or strike suddenly, commonly in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia may include the following in addition to high blood pressure and protein in the urine:
Severe headaches
Vision changes (temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, or light sensitivity)
Upper abdominal pain, usually under the ribs on the right side
Vomiting
Nausea
Dizziness
Decreased urination

Preeclampsia is often accompanied by swelling (edema), particularly in the face and hands. Swelling alone isn't considered a reliable sign of preeclampsia, since it also occurs in many healthy and normal pregnancies.
Preeclampsia is classified as one of four high blood pressure disorders that can occur during pregnancy. The other three are:
Gestational hypertension
Chronic hypertension
Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension.

Preeclampsia was known as toxemia in the past because it was believed that a toxin in a pregnant woman’s bloodstream caused it. This has proven not to be true. Possible causes may include:
Insufficient blood flow to the uterus
A problem with the immune system
Poor diet (especially a diet with inadequate protein)
Insufficient fluid (especially water) intake

Regular prenatal checkups will assure, in the event a woman has preeclampsia, it is discovered early and treated, which decreases the risk to the mother and the unborn baby.

Pregnancy Complications