Toxemia, also known as preeclampsia, is high blood pressure that occurs during a pregnancy. This condition may impede blood flow through the body, endangering major organs. It typically appears in the first trimester of a pregnancy. This disease may not show any symptoms until a patient is getting a checkup. However, some patients may show symptoms like fluid retention, sudden weight gain, limited urine output and swelling of the hands or face. Toxemia's cause is not yet understood, but a wide range of risk factors may be warning signs that a pregnant patient may develop toxemia. This disease has a genetic link. It occurs most commonly in first pregnancies and especially in women over age 35, called elderly primigravida. It may also appear in girls who become pregnant before age 18.
High Blood Pressure
Toxemia is linked to a history of high blood pressure. Patients whose high blood pressure is uncontrolled have a greater risk of developing toxemia. An above-average weight and high level of body fat may predispose a patient to toxemia. A body mass index, or BMI, score above 30 may indicate that a patient may have problems with toxemia while pregnant.
Poor Nutrition
.Women who have poor nutrition, such as a high-salt diet, may increase their risk of the development of toxemia. Eating too few fruits and vegetables may also contribute to the poor nutrition that may lead to toxemia.
Disturbed Hormone Balance
A hormonal imbalance may be a cause of toxemia, notes the Preeclampsia Foundation. This imbalance impedes proper function of the blood vessels; they may not have the width needed for blood flow.
Diabetes, Lupus, Kidney Disease
Pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, lupus and kidney disease may be a risk factor for toxemia. Especially if these diseases are undiagnosed or uncontrolled, they may be a precursor to toxemia development.
Expecting Twins or More
Multiple babies on board may increase the risk of toxemia. Being pregnant with twins, triplets or more may make an expectant mother more likely to develop toxemia, according to the National Institutes of Health's website.
