Understanding Preeclampsia,
Toxemia in Pregnancy

~The Mystery of Toxemia Explained~

Preeclampsia, also known as toxemia of pregnancy, is a complication affecting 5-8% of pregnant women. It is a condition in which the body loses its ability to eliminate waste products and toxins adequately.

What results is elevated blood pressure, edema, protein in the urine as well as other symtoms. Reduced bloodflow to the placenta also occurs, presenting a compromise to the baby's well-being.

Without treatment, this condition can quickly spiral into full-blown eclampsia with convulsions, organ damage and even death to the mother and/or baby.

Interestingly, this disease is much more common in first pregnancies than subsequent ones. It is also more common in women who have pre-existing or underlying medical conditions.

Pre-eclampsia Symptoms

Signs of toxemia in pregnancy are often identified during routine prenatal tests and exams. The difficulty is that early symptoms can be hard to discern from what could be normal, such as some degree of pregnancy swelling.

The following are common symptoms of toxemia:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Swelling or Edema
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
• Sudden Weight Gain
• Headache
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Changes in Vision
• Racing pulse, mental confusion, heightened anxiety, trouble catching your breath
• Stomach or Right Shoulder Pain
• Lower back pain
• Hyperreflexia

Of course, consult your care provider if you are concerned about any symptoms, as this is potentially a very serious pregnancy complication.

Cause of Preeclampsia

There are some who believe the cause is actually very clear-cut. Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year states "pre-eclampsia, the most severe problem of pregnancy, is a form of acute malnutrition." Yet, researchers have had limited success in linking dietary factors to the development of this disease. Other research has linked immune, genetic, environmental and vascular factors to the cause/effect process of toxemia. Currently, the leading causal theory to explain the how and why of these factors is called "maternal-fetal conflict".

In light of this new research, what is the role of nutrition, if any? Click on the headline above to understand this new theory and its connection to pregnancy nutrition.

Natural Remedies for Preeclampsia

In healthy, low-risk women, this complication is virtually 100% preventable with good nutrition. How empowering is that? And even if you're starting to show signs of it, there are many natural ways that may reverse it.

Click on the headline above to find out about natural prevention and treatment, including what to include in your pregnancy diet.

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