Diseases
preeclampsia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Preeclampsia, formerly called toxemia, is when pregnant women have high blood pressure, protein in their urine, and swelling in their legs, feet, and hands. It can range from mild to severe. It usually happens late in pregnancy, though it can come earlier or just after delivery.
Symptoms
- excess protein in urine (proteinuria) or other signs of kidney problems
- decreased levels of platelets in blood (thrombocytopenia)
- increased liver enzymes that indicate liver problems
- severe headaches
- changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision
Causes
- the exact cause of preeclampsia likely involves several factors. experts believe it begins in the placenta — the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy.
Risk factors
- preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- being pregnant with more than one baby
- chronic high blood pressure (hypertension)
Diagnosis
- urine analysis.
- protein in your urine (proteinuria), indicating an impaired kidney
- a low blood platelet count
- fetal ultrasound.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia, formerly called toxemia, is when pregnant women have high blood pressure, protein in their urine, and swelling in their legs, feet, and hands. It can range from mild to severe. It usually happens late in pregnancy, though it can come earlier or just after delivery.
What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
excess protein in urine (proteinuria) or other signs of kidney problems, decreased levels of platelets in blood (thrombocytopenia), increased liver enzymes that indicate liver problems, severe headaches, changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision
What causes preeclampsia?
the exact cause of preeclampsia likely involves several factors. experts believe it begins in the placenta — the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy.
Which medicines are used for preeclampsia?
magnesium sulphate
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