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Tackling Toxemia

Toxemia is a Common Pregnancy Disorder

By Katherine Bontrager

While the symptoms and the cause of preeclampsia are still under debate, doctors have determined several factors appearing to have at least a tenuous link to the disease. "There are certain ethnic groups that suffer from a higher incidence of preeclampsia," says Dr. Atlas. "The African-American population is at a higher risk. And we know that there are families at risk of developing preeclampsia, especially when first-degree relatives such as a mother or sister have had it. Because of this, it's important to bring this information up with your physician, as they may watch your pregnancy differently."

So what can moms do to help lower their chances of suffering from toxemia?

"Risk factors include obesity, so you may be able to lower your risk by having a normal weight entering pregnancy," says Dr. Ira Bernstein, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and vice chair of obstetrics and director of the Maternal Fetal Medicine department at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. "People who exercise more seem to have a lower risk of preeclampsia, so regular exercise prior to pregnancy may help to reduce your risk. As well, the risk for preeclampsia increases in very young and older women – those in their teens and late 30s. The risk seems to increase if the interval between pregnancies is long, so a shorter interval between pregnancies may lower your risk."

And good follow-up with obstetricians is imperative, advises Dr. Al-Khan. "Control of diabetes, underlying chronic hypertension or other medical disorders is very important," he says. "Secondly, artificial reproductive technology with multi-fetal pregnancy poses a significant risk, so appropriate consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist and counseling is very important. But keep in mind that preeclampsia can occur in any pregnant patient, even in the absence of underlying medical problems."

Want to see more?

• Nutrition is Key: Prevent Complications and Give Birth to a Healthy Baby
• Managing Preeclampsia
• The Value of Doula Support: Caring, Comforting and Empowering
• Talk about it!

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