|
Preeclampsia or Toxemia of Pregnancy - What Happend to the Fetus
Preeclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy, may be described as the development of a sudden elevation in the blood pressure AFTER the 24th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 5% of all pregnancies. The cause of preeclampsia is unclear, but it is thought to be related to decreased blood flow through the placenta. It is seen most commonly in women during their first pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is usually accompanied by swelling in the hands and face, high levels of protein in the urinalysis test, and a weight gain of greater than 2 lb. per week. When severe preeclampsia occurs between the 24th and 36th week of gestation, hospitalization is required for treatment. Cesarean section is often the desired method of delivery in mothers with this condition. The mode most often used in detecting pre-eclampsia is through routine, regular obstetrical (prenatal) visits. During these visits, weight, blood pressure, and urinalysis will be checked for any abnormalities. Untreated preeclampsia can progress to seizures with fetal (and maternal) death. The OB-GYN physician is the expert in the treatment of this problem.
Hope this article will provide you information about preeclampsia or toxemia of pregnancy.
|
