Symptoms of TOXEMIA OF PREGNANCY

Toxemia or preeclampsia produces the rapid development of edema. This is especially prominent in the face and hands. There is excessive weight gain, more than a pound a week during the final trimester. The blood pressure is elevated. Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes, may develop. Headache, blurred vision and irritability are a reflection of involvement of the central nervous system. Bleeding and easy bruising may develop from decreased levels of platelets. If Eclampsia develops, the blood pressure continues to elevate. The aforementioned symptoms worsen. Seizures develop and there may be muscle twitching and coma.