Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension vs. Preeclampsia: Understanding the Difference

Question
Hello,
I just have a question about pregnancy-induced hypertension. If during pregnancy a woman begins to develop panic disorder, and her blood pressure increases because of this, would a doctor be able to tell the difference between this and toxemia? I guess I am asking if there are other tests or symptoms aside from the bp numbers to indicate that the condition is definitely resulting from the pregnancy. Thanks for providing this service!

Mia

Answer
Toxemia/PIH is more than just elevated BP.  It is a constellation of hormone induced problems.  There is elevated BP certainly, but also protein in the urine, increased reflexes, and, untreated, ultimately, seizures.  Panic disorder problems typically do not raise BP much, and probably wouldn't raise it hardly at all, during pregnancy.  So, toxemia... the doc would defintely get a hint from BP, but also screening the urine for protein and ultimately check blood for decreasing kidney function if the other symptoms and signs present themselves.

Hope this helps...