Toxemia can sometimes be managed by bed rest, nutritious diet, and blood pressure medication. When these measures fail, premature delivery is necessary to save the mother and child. Toxemia occurs most frequently in first pregnancies. A mother s general health before and during pregnancy can affect the outcome. Pre-existing illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia do increase the chance of premature delivery.
Premature birth can also be the result of an illness in the unborn baby.
Although the membranes and placenta provide a barrier against many infections, certain organisms are still able to cross the placenta or enter the womb, possibly through weak spots in the membranes. An infected baby may be born to a mother who has had only mild symptoms of illness or no symptoms at all. Why some babies become infected while others do not is a mystery. A recent study of close to 11,000 pregnancies revealed no difference in the incidence of premature rupture of the membranes, intrauterine infection or prematurity among women who engaged in intercourse throughout their pregnancy to those who did not. However, sexual activity may release oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.