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Pregnancy Today's Advisory Panel Answers:
What is Toxemia and its effects?

by Kathy Loebel
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago
Kathy Loebel

Question

What is Toxemia and its effects?

Answer

The question you ask regarding toxemia is not a simple one, and it is beyond the scope of this framework to give you a complete answer. You should go to your local library for more complete information.

In general: toxemia, preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) refers to a group of three or more symptoms experienced by the pregnant mother. The signs and symptoms include: elevated blood pressure, swelling of face and extremities, and spilling of protein in the urine. This condition usually occurs in first pregnancies.

This condition requires frequent monitoring of the baby as well as the mother. If you have more specific questions related to your pregnancy, please see you health care provider.

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