Toxemia of pregnancy

Toxemia of pregnancy, or preeclampsia, disease caused by bacterial toxins or other toxic substances in the blood, usually referring to a condition that attacks women in the last stages of pregnancy or just after childbirth. It occurs in about 5% of all pregnancies and, unless treated, may lead to eclampsia (convulsions and coma) and other complications, including death of the mother and fetus. Toxemia is characterized by an increase in blood pressure, excessive protein in the urine, and swelling of the body, and can be treated by drugs if diagnosed in time.