Toxemia, also known as pre-eclampsia, is a pregnancy condition marked by a sudden increase in blood pressure, significant protein leakage into the urine, and swelling of the hands, feet, and face. This condition is the most prevalent complication during pregnancy, affecting approximately 5% of pregnant women, typically during the third trimester. It is most common in first-time pregnancies and is more likely to occur in women who are obese or expecting twins. Some women are predisposed to developing pre-eclampsia in every pregnancy, and the condition is often hereditary, being more prevalent in daughters of affected women.Pre-eclampsia can signal severe complications, such as the placenta detaching from the uterus. If untreated, it might develop into eclampsia, posing life-threatening risks for both mother and child, including seizures and coma. Treatment usually involves bed rest and medication, but if these don't work, inducing labor or performing a C-section might be necessary. The condition typically resolves shortly after childbirth.
