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So, what is toxemia? Toxemia is a pregnancy induced form of hypertension (high blood pressure). Approximately 7 percent of all pregnancies will suffer from this condition.

Though toxemia can occur during any pregnancy, it most frequently occurs in first pregnancies. The exact cause is unknown but there are a few suggestions out there as to possibilities. One of these possibilities is anorexia, by overcompensating for the nutrients the body protects the baby and the mother's health is jeopardized. Another possible cause is a substance produced by the placenta that can cause the woman's body to go into this condition.

Some of the symptoms of toxemia may include increased blood pressure (hypertension), edema (swelling) of the hands and feet, bloating and excessive weight gain. Jaundice, blurred vision and headaches are also frequent side effects of toxemia. There may also be bruising and bleeding due to decreased platelets in the blood.

So how is toxemia treated? Naturally, if the baby is fully developed and able to survive on his or her own they will attempt to put the woman into labor. This isn't always possible though especially if the woman isn't far enough along to ensure survival of the baby. In this case bed rest, blood pressure medication and often sedatives will be prescribed as well as a low sodium diet and large amounts of water to flush the toxins out of the system. You will be closely monitored by your doctor and may even be hospitalized to stabilize your condition. The concern is that you could go into seizures thus cutting off your baby's oxygen supply or worse, putting you into a coma and more rarely, death.

Shortly after delivery you can expect your body to begin going back to normal. Your blood pressure should go back to normal levels and within a few more short weeks all of the edema should dissipate. With proper medical intervention you should have a healthy outcome and there should be no long lasting effects of this condition. Toxemia rarely strikes a second time.

Though there are no tests to pre determine if you will get toxemia during your pregnancy, my doctor gave me the following suggestions after my first pregnancy (which had a healthy outcome in spite of the toxemia): eat healthy, don't worry about gaining that baby weight (he suggested at least a 1500 calorie diet), eat a low sodium diet, drink plenty of water, keep the sugary foods to a minimum and exercise daily (a daily walk was my doctors favorite exercise). By following these suggestions your baby and you will be healthy and hopefully you will be able to avoid any complications in your pregnancy.

Learn more about this author, Linda L Kinyon.
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