What Are Signs of Toxemia?

Toxemia is a serious medical condition that affects thousands of women each day, and shows up most often during pregnancy. Women over the age of 35 and obese women are at the greatest risk of developing toxemia. While there is no known cure other than delivery of the baby, understanding the three main signs of toxemia will help you know if you have developed this condition, so you can prevent the onset of preeclampsia.

Elevated Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure during pregnancy is a telltale sign of toxemia. As it relates to toxemia, elevated blood pressure is defined as two separate readings of 140/90 or higher, taken at least six hours apart.

Protein in Urine

• The presence of protein in the urine indicates toxemia. Your doctor will order a simple lab test to determine if proteins exist in your urine.

Hyper-Reflexia

• Exaggerated reflexes are the third sign of toxemia. Your doctor will test your reflexes to see if there are any abnormalities. Patients with toxemia exhibit unusually fast reflexes.