What is Pre-Eclampsia (Toxemia Of Pregnancy)?
A. In some women the blood pressure may increase during the later stages of pregnancy (20 weeks or more), sometimes in association with swelling of the ankles. There is also a marked gain in weight, which is not due to overeating, but to retention of salt and water. This condition has various names, the commonest being pre-eclampsia. The reason for this name is that if untreated it may proceed to the more severe condition of eclampsia, characterised by very high blood pressure, headaches, and convulsions. It is also known as hypertension of pregnancy, or toxemia (which literally means blood poisoning). Having blood pressure measured regularly during pregnancy is hence very important for all women, as is testing the urine for protein (protein in the urine being another manifestation). The specific criteria used to diagnose pre-eclampsia are as follows: An increase of systolic pressure of 30 mm Hg An increase of diastolic pressure of 15 mm Hg A blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg.
