Which condition is essential to assess in a woman who is 30 weeks pregnant and in active labor?

In the context of a 30-week pregnant woman who is in active labor, assessing for toxemia, also known as preeclampsia, is crucial. This condition can develop during pregnancy and is characterized by the onset of hypertension and often accompanied by protein in the urine. Toxemia poses significant risks for both the mother and fetus, including potential seizures (eclampsia), placental abruption, and other severe complications that can arise during labor and delivery.

Timely identification and management of toxemia are essential because it can affect the management of labor, influence delivery decisions, and determine appropriate interventions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Given that the patient is in active labor, monitoring for signs of toxemia is imperative to mitigate risks associated with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

While conditions like diabetes, hypertension in general (excluding toxemia), and obesity are important to consider throughout pregnancy, the acute management and assessment during labor particularly emphasize the need to evaluate for toxemia due to its potential immediate impact on labor and delivery outcomes.