Why is toxemia dangerous

Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. Getty Images. Preeclampsia is a sudden, potentially life-threatening increase in blood pressure in pregnant women. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

View On Instagram. Related Story. HELLP — which stands for hemolysis the destruction of red blood cells , elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count — syndrome is a more severe form of preeclampsia, and can rapidly become life-threatening for both you and your baby. HELLP syndrome is particularly dangerous because it represents damage to several organ systems. On occasion, it may develop suddenly, even before high blood pressure is detected or it may develop without any symptoms at all.

When preeclampsia isn't controlled, eclampsia — which is essentially preeclampsia plus seizures — can develop. It is very difficult to predict which patients will have preeclampsia that is severe enough to result in eclampsia.

Often, there are no symptoms or warning signs to predict eclampsia. Because eclampsia can have serious consequences for both mom and baby, delivery becomes necessary, regardless of how far along the pregnancy is. Researchers continue to study ways to prevent preeclampsia, but so far, no clear strategies have emerged. Eating less salt, changing your activities, restricting calories, or consuming garlic or fish oil doesn't reduce your risk.

Increasing your intake of vitamins C and E hasn't been shown to have a benefit. Some studies have reported an association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of preeclampsia. But while some studies have shown an association between taking vitamin D supplements and a lower risk of preeclampsia, others have failed to make the connection.

It's important that you don't take any medications, vitamins or supplements without first talking to your doctor. Before you become pregnant, especially if you've had preeclampsia before, it's a good idea to be as healthy as you can be.

Lose weight if you need to, and make sure other conditions, such as diabetes, are well-managed. Once you're pregnant, take care of yourself — and your baby — through early and regular prenatal care. If preeclampsia is detected early, you and your doctor can work together to prevent complications and make the best choices for you and your baby.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Practice Bulletin No. Bokslag A, et al. Preeclampsia; short and long-term consequences for mother and neonate. Early Human Development. August P, et al. Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. Accessed March 17, Karumanchi SA, et al. Clark says. Preeclampsia can also come with complications like a pre-term birth, placental abruption a serious condition where the placenta separates from the inner wall of your uterus before delivery , HELLP syndrome which causes nausea and vomiting, headache, and upper right abdominal pain and signals damage to several organ systems , and eclampsia which is preeclampsia with seizures , the Mayo Clinic says.

In severe cases of preeclampsia, doctors will either deliver you early or admit you to the hospital where you can be closely monitored, Jessica Shepherd, M. But if your condition is less severe, or it's too early for you to deliver, your doctor will likely recommend that you are closely managed in an outpatient setting, she says.

That might mean taking antihypertensive medications to lower your blood pressure, corticosteroids to temporarily improve your liver and platelet function, or anticonvulsant medication to try to help prevent a seizure , the Mayo Clinic says. However, if you like Bey tend to be on your feet a lot for work, your doctor may recommend that you take a leave of absence and dial your activity level down until you deliver, Dr.

Luckily, having preeclampsia does not mean you're destined to have an emergency C-section , Dr. Rood says.

Again, it's possible to have preeclampsia without any symptoms which is why doctors are on the lookout for it.