Within the United States, about 5 to 8 percent of women who are pregnant would suffer from Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH). This induced hypertension is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood pressure is elevated during pregnancy. Although the actual cause of this condition is unknown, the medical experts are extremely concerned about its outcome if the condition goes untreated.

Also known as toxemia or preeclampsia, the condition is most common amongst younger women that are pregnant for the first time. More so, women that are pregnant with twins or have been previously diagnosed with chronic hypertension will become victims of toxemia.

The condition is also common amongst women with pre-existing diabetes and/or pre-existing PHI. Physicians generally detect PHI when pregnant women exhibit certain characteristics. These primary characteristics deliver elevated blood pressure levels, high protein count in urine and edema.

A severe form of PHI is identified as Eclampsia. Women that are diagnosed with eclampsia suffer with seizures. In addition, during eclampsia, the women may experience further complication known as the HELLP syndrome. This devastating complication causes a group of physical changes that affect the red blood cells, the liver and the platelets.

Physicians diagnose Pregnant-Induced Hypertension by conducting certain sensitive tests. The pregnant woman has to endure obvious multiple blood pressure measurements, urine testing, blood clotting tests and/or liver and kidney functioning tests. Upon diagnosis, the physicians begin treatment immediately to reduce the risk of further complications. The female’s treatment will be based on the severity of the symptoms.

The doctors generally prescribe hospitalization, bed rest, magnesium sulfate and fetal movement counting. The treatment is solely designed to prevent the progression of the condition. However, if the treatment has not controlled the PHI effectively, and the deliverance of the baby suggests potential danger, the medical experts will perform Cesarean delivery in most cases.