Preeclampsia

Alternative names:

pregnancy-induced hypertension; toxemia

Definition:

The development of swelling, elevated blood pressure, and protein in the urine during pregnancy.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of preeclampsia has not been identified. Numerous theories of potential causes exist, including genetic, dietary, vascular (blood vessel), and autoimmune factors. None of the theories has yet been proven. Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 5% of all pregnancies. There is an increased risk of preeclampsia in first pregnancies and multiple pregnancies, and for teenage mothers, mothers more than 40 years old, African-American women, and women with a past history of diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease.