I was no stranger to the term toxemia as I knew that was why I was born at 26 weeks, 2 weeks before third trimester. My mother was born 3 lbs from her mother's high blood pressure in pregnancy.

During my first pregnancy I researched it and learned of preeclampsia. From my baby pictures, I knew what a 2 lb 3 oz baby looked like. I never thought I would be the one giving birth to a 2 lb 7 oz girl and then 22 months later a 4 lbs 5.7 oz boy.

After having preeclampsia twice, surviving it as a preemie baby and enduring NICU stays for over a month we have chosen to not have another baby. I am glad that I knew why I was born early because then I armed myself with the new research of preeclampsia. I knew the symptoms and took my blood pressure until I drove myself to the hospital. Swelling under my eye, swelling of legs and ankles as well as not to forget those horrible headaches. This was the ONLY pregnancy complication I was aware of and THE ONE I did not want to get. My family is grateful for the knowledge we had to know when to call the doctor. My Dad asks "What about your daughter, will she get it?" Who knows what the research and advancement of treatment will be by then. Still, I will give my daughter a blood pressure cuff kit when she gets married.