Eclampsia

Eclampsia is a rare and extremely serious complication that occurs during pregnancy, and it requires immediate medical care.

Eclampsia

Eclampsia is the occurrence of seizures during pregnancy, and it usually manifests in the second half of the pregnancy.

Eclampsia is considered a rare complication of preeclampsia, but it can also occur without the signs of it.

Causes and risk factors of eclampsia

Eclampsia usually occurs as a result of preeclampsia, which puts pressure on the blood vessels and may cause swelling in the brain.

The risk of eclampsia increases due to the following factors:

• The most significant risk factor for eclampsia is preeclampsia, although most cases of preeclampsia don’t develop eclampsia.
• Having diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or an autoimmune condition.
• Being pregnant for the first time.
• Being pregnant with multiples.
• Family history.
• Being younger than 17 or older than 35.
• Obesity or following a poor diet.

Symptoms of eclampsia

A lot of women get warning signs before the seizure; some of them are:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Severe headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Blurred vision, diplopia, or vision loss.
• Urination problems.
• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side.
• Swelling in the face, hands, or ankles.

Symptoms of eclampsia include seizures, severe confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Eclampsia can lead to placental abruption, blood clotting issues, stroke, preterm birth, stillbirth, and death.

Diagnosis of eclampsia

• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• Creatinine test.
• An ultrasound.

Treatment of eclampsia

• Giving birth is the best treatment for eclampsia.
• Certain medications to manage the symptoms.
• The risk of eclampsia can be reduced by taking good care of health and following a healthy lifestyle.