Toxemia
and Preeclamspia have their own language used by medical practicioners, educators, and on this website. Familiarize yourself with these terms so you can have productive and meaningful conversations with your care provider.
eclampsia a convulsive state: an attack of convulsions: as a: convulsions or coma late in pregnancy in an individual affected with preeclampsia b: a condition comparable to milk fever of cows occurring in domestic animals (as dogs and cats) (1997 Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary)
edema or oedema swelling, water retention, puffiness.
iatrogenic caused by, or originating with, the doctor; e.g., the cause of an “iatrogenic cesarean” can be traced to the actions or inactions of the doctor, rather than natural circumstances.
preeclampsia: a toxic condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive gain in weight, generalized edema, albuminuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances. (1997 Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary)
toxemia the general term, as defined by the 1997 Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary: an abnormal condition associated with the presence of toxic substances in the blood: as a: a generalized intoxication due to absorption and systemic dissemination of bacterial toxins from a focus of infection b: intoxication due to dissemination of toxic substances (as some by-products of protein metabolism) that cause functional or organic disturbances (as in the kidneys)
toxemia of pregnancy as defined by the 1997 Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary: a disorder of unknown cause that is peculiar to pregnancy, is usually of sudden onset, is marked by hypertension, albuminuria, edema, headache, and visual disturbances, and may or may not be accompanied by convulsions (emphasis added)