Preeclampsia used to be called toxemia because it was thought to be caused by a toxin in a pregnant woman's bloodstream. Although this theory has been debunked, researchers have yet to determine what causes preeclampsia. Possible causes may include:

Uterine ischemia/ underperfusion Insufficient blood flow to the uterus 

Prostacyclin/thromboxane imbalance (ASA) Disruption of the balance of the hormones that maintain the diameter of the blood vessels. 

Endothelial activation and dysfunction Damage to the lining of the blood vessels that regulates the diameter of the blood vessels keeping fluid and protein inside the blood vessels and keeps blood from clotting. 
Calcium deficiency Calcium helps maintain vasodilation, so a deficiency would impair the function of vasodilation 

Hemodynamic vascular injury Injury to the blood vessels due to too much blood flow,i.e. the garden hose hooked up to a fire hydrant 

Preexisting maternal conditions Mother has undiagnosed high blood pressure or other preexisting problems such as diabetes, lupus, sickle cell disorder, hyperthyroidism, kidney disorder, etc. 

Immunological Activation The immune system believes that damage has occurred to the blood vessel and in trying to fix the "injury" actually makes the problem worse (like scar tissue) and augments the process. 

Nutritional Problems/Poor Diet Insufficient protein, excessive protein, not enough fresh fruit and vegetables (antioxidants), among others theories. 

High Body Fat High body fat may actually be the symptom of the tendency to develop this disorder linked to the genetic tendency towards high blood pressure, diabetes and insulin resistance. 

Insufficient Magnesium Oxide and B6 Magnesium stabilizes vascular smooth muscles and helps regulate vascular tone. Too much magnesium acts as a laxative and is not absorbed into the body. 
Genetic Tendency 
 
There is nothing that any woman can do to prevent preeclampsia from occurring. Therefore, it is both unhealthy and not helpful to assign blame and to review and rehash events that occurred either just prior to pregnancy, or during early pregnancy that may have contributed to the development of preeclampsia.

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