toxemia of pregnancy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “toxemia of pregnancy” mean?
A serious medical condition occurring during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A serious medical condition occurring during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.
An outdated term for the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. It refers to a systemic condition where the mother's body manifests toxic symptoms (though the exact cause is not a traditional 'toxin') affecting multiple organ systems, often arising after 20 weeks of gestation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both regions have largely moved to more precise terminology. The older term 'toxaemia of pregnancy' may occasionally be seen in British texts, reflecting British spelling.
Connotations
Considered a dated, umbrella term in professional medical contexts in both regions.
Frequency
Very low in current clinical use. More likely to be encountered in historical texts, older patient literature, or in lay conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “toxemia of pregnancy” in a Sentence
Patient + develop/develops + toxemia of pregnancyToxemia of pregnancy + complicate/complicates + pregnancyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toxemia of pregnancy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was toxaemic in her first pregnancy.
- The midwife was concerned she might toxaemise.
American English
- She was toxemic in her first pregnancy.
- The physician monitored her for toxemia.
adverb
British English
- The condition developed toxaemically and rapidly.
American English
- The condition developed toxemically and rapidly.
adjective
British English
- The toxaemic patient required immediate attention.
- She showed toxaemic symptoms.
American English
- The toxemic patient required immediate attention.
- She showed toxemic symptoms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used primarily in historical or epidemiological discussions of maternal health.
Everyday
May be used by older generations or in non-specialist explanations; often replaced by 'pre-eclampsia' in contemporary lay discourse.
Technical
Largely obsolete in current clinical guidelines and research papers, which favor 'pre-eclampsia/eclampsia'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toxemia of pregnancy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toxemia of pregnancy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toxemia of pregnancy”
- Using 'toxemia' to refer to typical morning sickness (nausea/vomiting in early pregnancy).
- Spelling as 'toxicemia'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. Morning sickness (nausea/vomiting) is common in early pregnancy. Toxemia (pre-eclampsia) is a serious, later-pregnancy disorder involving high blood pressure.
Because research showed there is no single 'toxin' causing the condition. 'Pre-eclampsia' more accurately describes the condition (high blood pressure and proteinuria) before it progresses to seizures (eclampsia).
Key symptoms include persistent high blood pressure, severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling (oedema), and protein in the urine.
The only definitive cure is delivery of the baby and placenta. Management before delivery focuses on controlling blood pressure, preventing seizures, and monitoring the health of both mother and fetus until delivery is safest.
A serious medical condition occurring during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.
Toxemia of pregnancy is usually technical / medical in register.
Toxemia of pregnancy: in British English it is pronounced /tɒkˈsiːmiːə əv ˈpregnənsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɑːkˈsiːmiːə əv ˈprɛɡnənsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TOX-in-EMIA (blood) during pregnancy. It's the old idea of a 'toxic' condition in the blood affecting a pregnant woman.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREGNANCY IS A STATE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS (where the body can develop a toxic/abnormal reaction).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST accurate modern equivalent for 'toxemia of pregnancy'?