Preeclampsia is the first stage of a pregnancy condition commonly called\u00a0toxemia.<\/p>\n
The earliest signs of toxemia (preeclampsia) must be detected to prevent the\u00a0condition from progressing to full eclampsia which involves convulsions and coma and\u00a0can result in death.<\/p>\n
Editor’s Note: While the term “Toxemia” was widely used at the time this course was originally written, it has been largely abandoned in favor of the term “Pre-Eclampsia.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n a. Signs and Symptoms<\/strong>. Problems indicating preeclampsia may develop over\u00a0the period of a few days or appear suddenly in a 24-hour period. Included are the\u00a0following:<\/p>\n (1) High blood pressure. The patient’s small blood vessels become constricted, leading to many changes, among them:<\/p>\n a. Elevated maternal blood pressure.<\/p>\n b. Loss of plasma into the extravascular spaces.<\/p>\n c. Decreased perfusion of organs.<\/p>\n d. Consumption of platelets, sometimes faster than they can be replaced.<\/p>\n (2) Edema, usually of the face, hands, and\/or feet.<\/p>\n (3) Headaches.<\/p>\n (4) Blurred vision.<\/p>\n (5) Abdominal pain.<\/p>\n