QuestionAt my last appt my dr felt that we needed to test for toxemia because I had protein in my urine and I was having some swelling. My bp was great, as usual, but he said that the protein worried him.
I did the 24hr urine test and it came back high, now I have to redo the test on Sunday.
I am really worried about it, and I can't seem to find any information on toxemia online other than it's "hypertension" which is high bp -which i don't have. I am pretty frustrated with trying to find information.
This is my 3rd pregnancy (my 2nd pregnancy ended at 9wks from a molar pregnancy)I had no complications with my first pregnancy other than during delivery. (I had a large baby for my frame, 4th degree tear and needed blood transfusion)
So I guess my questions is, how likley is it that I DO have toxemia? What exactly IS toxemia? What does it mean to me if I don't have high bp along with the toxemia? Will it show up later?
Thank you in advance for your time.
AnswerDear Kristina,
Proteinuria in pregnancy, particularly after the 20th week, often suggests the onset of preeclampsia (also called toxemia). Proteinuria without high blood pressure can sometimes indicate other issues going on that simply involve the kidneys, but typically the first thought is the onset of preeclampsia so your doctor will begin to monitor you very closely for a blood pressure creeping up. Here is some additional information on preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is a medical condition where hypertension arises in pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension or PIH) in association with significant amounts of protein in the urine. While BP elevation is the most visible sign of the disease, it involves generalized damage to the maternal endothelium and kidneys and liver. Preeclampsia may develop from 20 weeks gestation (it is considered early onset before 32 weeks) and its progress differs among patients. Some women develop high blood pressure without the proteinuria (protein in urine); this is called Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or gestational hypertension. Both preeclampsia and PIH are regarded as very serious conditions and require careful monitoring of mother and baby. Symptoms may include:
- increased blood pressure
- protein in the urine
- edema (swelling)
- sudden weight gain
- visual changes such as blurred or double vision
- nausea, vomiting
- right-sided upper abdominal pain or pain around the stomach
- urinating small amounts
- changes in liver or kidney function tests
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
