The condition of pre-eclampsia or induced hypertension is potentially fatal if not treated during pregnancy. It is common during the first pregnancy and its prevalent with multiple births. Induced hypertension also known as toxemia can lead to convulsions or fits, a serious complication known as eclampsia.
Be aware of the warning signals of induced hypertension which includes severe headache, hypertension, rapid weight gain, oedema or accumulation of fluid in different parts of the body mostly at the face, hands, ankles and feet, convulsion which may likely happen on the second period of pregnancy, positive protein in the urine or proteinuria, dizziness, excessive vomiting and nausea, change in vision including blurred vision, light-sensitive eyes and vision loss, upper abdominal pain usually at the right side.
Toxemia can happen to every pregnant mother, but as studies show there will be greater risk to the following women; a first time mom whose sisters or mother had suffered pre-eclampsia, a pregnant mother with more than one baby, teens and young mothers under the age of 18, women older than age 35, including women who developed high blood pressure during a previous pregnancy or prior to pregnancy.
Toxemia is indeed a dangerous and life threatening complication during the period of pregnancy that can affect not only the mother but also the growth and development of the unborn baby in the uterus.
During pregnancy, the placenta requires a large blood supply from the mother to sustain the growing baby. Without this, the effects of induced hypertension can trigger premature birth or early delivery of a baby, low birth weight, abortion and still birth or death of a baby in the womb.
It's very important to know that, there are other significant factors that can contribute to the development of toxemia during pregnancy such as obesity, diabetes, kidney problems, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Induced hypertension can also occur during pregnancy, even if the pregnant mother have never suffered from the condition before and the reason for the sudden appearance is still unknown. If proper care is taken the problem disappears as soon as the woman delivers her baby.
When there is induced hypertension in pregnancy this does not mean the expectant mother is in total danger. The idea that prevention is better than care is true, so the best way to reduce the effects that toxemia may cause to the pregnant mother and her unborn baby is to regularly attend antenatal check-ups and try not to miss any appointment, to enable early detection of toxemia so that an adequate measure will be taken.
Pregnant women should not hesitate to report any worrying signals of induced hypertension to their health care provider because toxemia if not monitored and properly treated can possibly cause problems to the expectant mother's liver, kidney, brain, and other body organs. It can also be the cause of seizure, also known as eclampsia. Eclampsia is known as the final and most severe phase of induced hypertension which can occur when the condition is left untreated and may also lead to coma and even death of the mother and her baby before, during, or after childbirth.
According to the World Health Organization, pre-eclampsia is considered as one of the leading cause of maternal death in most developing countries. It is the complication that should not be ignored during the period of pregnancy, and to determine which lifestyle changes and medications to take. Regular consultation to your health care provider is advisable and do not try to manage your health or take medications on your own, some drugs can affect your baby.
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