Posts Tagged ‘Signs’
Preeclampsia
October 17th, 2009 No Comments Posted in Childbirth, Health, Pregnancy
Preeclampsia
Facts and Fallacies
Preeclampsia has probably been around for as long as women have been getting pregnant. It’s also known as toxemia, pregnancy -induced hypertension, or EPH gestosis. Preeclampsia is the most misunderstood and myth-ridden disease in pregnancy. Let’s clear up some of the more common myths with some facts.
- Preeclampsia isn’t related to obesity or excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
- It isn’t caused by salt (sodium chloride). Women with preeclampsia actually have normal sodium levels. Salt restriction isn’t recommended.
- The condition isn’t cured or alleviated by taking water pills (diuretics) for the swelling.
- Preeclampsia isn’t caused by a diseased placenta, poisons, or toxins in the body. The term “toxemia” is still used, but it isn’t an accurate one to describe the disease.
- It isn’t prevented by vitamin therapy or high-protein or other special diets. There’s no known prevention.