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Preeclampsia

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names:
Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Symptoms:
  • Edema (swelling of the hands and face present upon arising)
  • Weight gain
    • In excess of 2 pounds per week
    • Of sudden onset, over 1 to 2 days
  • Headaches

Note: Some swelling of the feet and ankles is considered normal with pregnancy.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

  • Decreased urine output
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Facial swelling
  • High blood pressure
  • Agitation
  • Vision changes (flashing lights in the eyes)
  • Abdominal pain
Signs and tests:
  • Documented weight gain
  • Nondependent edema
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Proteinuria (protein noted in urine)
  • Thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 100,000)
  • Elevated liver function tests

This disease may also alter the results of numerous laboratory tests.

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia
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