Overview

Preeclampsia (otherwise known as toximia) is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, swelling in legs, feet or hands and signs of damage to other organ systems, most commonly liver and kidneys. Preeclampsia often occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy but under certain circumstances, it can begin earlier. In rare cases, preeclampsia might develop after delivery of  a baby, a condition called postpartum preeclampsia. 

Symptoms

• High blood pressure (usually the first sign)
• Severe headaches;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Vision problems (light sensitivity, blurry vision or temporary loss of vision)
• Belly pain, especially around upper part;
• Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelets count in blood)
• Decreased urine output;
• Impaired liver and kidney function; 
• Swelling;

Causes

According to experts, preeclampsia occurs when a woman’s placenta doesn’t work the way it should. At the early stage of pregnancy, new blood vessels develop and evolve to send blood to the placenta. In women with preeclampsia, these blood vessels don't develop or function properly which limits the amount of blood that can flow through them. Problem with immune system, insufficient blood flow to uterus, some genes and damanage to blood vessels might trigger preeclampsia. 

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, the most effective treatment is to deliver a baby. Even after delivery, it can still take a while for you to get back to normal life. If preeclampsia occurs too early in your pregnancy to deliver your baby, you and your doctor face a challenging task. Your baby needs more time to mature, but you need to avoid putting yourself or your baby at risk of serious complications.