Preeclampsia or Toxemia is a pregnancy-related condition that may pose a dangerous problem for would-be moms.

About 5 percent of women suffer from this delicate condition during pregnancy. This is when a pregnant woman’s vascular system function alters thus the blood flow is affected. The blood vessels look like a long length of sausages strung together if a woman has preemclampsia in pregnancy.

Preeclampsia Symptoms

1. Weight Gain

One of the preeclampsia symptoms is when you are gaining 2 or more pounds in one week.

2. Headache, Swelling of Hands and Face

3. Blurred vision or spots before your eyes

If you suffer these signs during pregnancy, tell your doctor right away.

The doctor will diagnose if you are suffering from preeclampsia pregnancy with the following symptoms:

  • Edema or swelling
  • Hypertension or high-blood pressure
  • Protein presence in urine

Pregnancy Tips for Preeclampsia

1. Take supplements

Ask your doctor for calcium supplements. Taking 2,000 mg of calcium daily prevents a pregnant woman to develop this condition.

2. Lessen your activities

Edema or swelling for mild preeclampsia, can be lessened by limiting your activities. You can also lie on your left side to help improve your swelling. Proper rest is important and you will need to limit yourself from doing household chores like cooking, cleaning and even shopping. You will also need to pass up outdoor activities or trips out of the house except for hospital visits or regular check-ups.

3. Monitor blood pressure regularly.

Get your blood pressure checked several times a day to make sure you monitor your condition.

4. For Severe Preeclampsia

Severe preeclampsia may result to continuous heartburn and headache. For this condition, a pregnant woman may not be well enough to be treated at home and needs to be hospitalized to monitor her condition.

Related pregnancy complication to preeclampsia is Rh Blood Incompatibility of pregnant mother and baby.