If a patient develops high blood pressure combined with protein (albumin) in her urine for the first time in during the second half of her pregnancy, it is called preeclampsia (also known as toxemnia). This is why your blood pressure is taken and a urine sample tested at each office visit. About seven out of every 100 (7%) pregnant women develop preeclampsia.

Thogh doctors don not know exactly what causes this condition, researchers recently reported a blood test which could predict which women may be at risk for developing preeclampsia. Signs of preeclampsia such as fluid retention (sewlling of face, legs and hands) and headache should be reported your healthcare professional immediately. She will want to check your blood pressure and a urine sample. An elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine are symptoms of preeclampsia.

Warning signs of preeclampsia:

• Edema (swelling of face, feet and hands)
• Severe headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Sudden weight gain

Preeclampsia is most common in first pregnancies. It is also seen more frequently in women who have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or other chronic disease prior to their pregnancies. Preeclampsia can develop rapidly at anytime, and it is not self-limiting. If left untreated, it can process to convulsions and coma; at this stage the complication is known as eclampsia. But it can often be prevented or controlled if monitored carefully. This is why it is so important to have regular prenatal visits.