How to Manage Toxemia

Toxemia is an old-fashion term for preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). The symptoms can be vague such as nausea, headaches, swelling, general aches and pains, which often occur in normal pregnancies. Other more meaningful symptoms are high blood pressure, an excess of protein in the urine, pain in the upper abdominal area, dizziness, vision problems, rapid weight gain and a decrease in urination. Preeclampsia symptoms can be mild, with just a slight rise in blood pressure, or they can escalate and become life threatening to the mother and baby. There are ways to manage toxemia and to reduce the risks.

Things You'll Need

• book
• puzzle
• hobby

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Seek medical attention to determine the severity of the preeclampsia. A physician may prescribe antihypertensive medication, corticosteroids or anticonvulsive prescriptions to treat the symptoms according to the mayoclinic.com website. If the toxemia is severe, hospitalization may be required to monitor the baby, protein in the urine, blood pressure and amniotic fluid. If the symptoms are mild, bed rest at home will be advised and the following advice will assist the family and patient to manage this condition.

• 2

  Get plenty of bed rest. With mild toxemia early in the pregnancy, this may be all that is necessary to lower the risks. The patient should only get up for bathroom breaks and very short stretches of time. She may need to get out of bed and lie on a couch in the family room to break up the monotony, but rest is of vital importance. Keep everything she might need within easy reach.

• 3

  Distract the patient. Complete bed rest may sound very appealing but is seldom thought of this way after a few hours. The mother may be overwhelmed with thoughts of all she needs to do to prepare for the arrival of the baby, or she may be obsessed with the potential seriousness of the condition.

• 4

  Study the information to be aware of the danger signs and then distract the patient with other things, such as a good book, television or a puzzle. Being aware of the symptoms that require immediate medical attention is enough. Do not let the patient become obsessed with the dangers; this will just exacerbate the high blood pressure.

• 5

  Organize a schedule; this will help the patient to feel more in control. Schedule time for things such as TV, naps, reading, enjoying a hobby such as knitting, balancing the checkbook, shopping online and regular meal and bed times.