⚠️ Eclampsia in Pregnancy – Know the Warning Signs, Causes & Treatment
Dr. Pujil Gulati, IVF Specialist with over 13 years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Techniques BabyBloom IVF Gurgaon
🤰 What Is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is a serious problem that can happen in pregnancy. Eclampsia in Pregnancy
It causes seizures (fits) in a pregnant woman who already has high blood pressure and protein in her urine (this is called preeclampsia).
If eclampsia is not treated on time, it can be dangerous for both mother and baby.
Let’s understand it in simple words.
⚠️ Warning Signs of Eclampsia
Eclampsia usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy, during labor, or even after delivery. Look for these danger signs:
🌡️ Major Symptoms:
- Seizures or fits (suddenly falling, shaking, losing awareness)
- Severe headache that won’t go away
- Blurred vision or seeing spots
- Pain in the upper belly (right side)
- Swelling in the hands, face, or feet
- Very high blood pressure
- Confusion or feeling lost
🚨 Call your doctor right away if:
- You had high BP during pregnancy, and now feel dizzy, weak, or have pain in the head or belly
- You see bright lights or black spots in your vision
- You feel your baby is not moving much
🩺 What Causes Eclampsia?
Doctors still don’t know the exact cause, but it usually starts with preeclampsia (high BP and protein in urine during pregnancy).
🌱 Risk factors include:
- First pregnancy
- Age under 20 or above 35
- History of high blood pressure
- Twins or more
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Family history of eclampsia or preeclampsia
🤯 What Happens During a Seizure?
- The woman suddenly becomes unconscious
- Body starts shaking violently
- Eyes may roll back
- Jaw may become tight
- It usually lasts for a few seconds to 1 minute
🧠 This is very dangerous, as it can lead to:
- Brain damage
- Bleeding
- Poor oxygen to the baby
- Death (if not treated fast) Eclampsia in Pregnancy
🧪 How Is Eclampsia Diagnosed?
If you show signs, the doctor will do these tests:
🔍 Common Tests:
- Blood pressure check
- Urine test (to check for protein)
- Blood tests (liver and kidney function)
- Ultrasound (to check baby growth)
- Non-stress test (baby’s heart rate) Eclampsia in Pregnancy
💊 Treatment for Eclampsia
Eclampsia is a medical emergency. If seizures happen, you must go to the hospital immediately.
✅ What doctors do:
Control Seizures
- Medicines like Magnesium Sulfate are given to stop fits
Lower Blood Pressure
- BP control is done with safe pregnancy medicines like Labetalol or Hydralazine
Monitor Baby
- Baby’s heartbeat is closely watched using monitors
Deliver the Baby
- In many cases, doctors may decide to deliver the baby early, even if it’s before due date
- This is to save both mother and baby
🥗 How to Prevent Eclampsia?
While it can’t always be prevented, there are smart steps to reduce the risk:
✅ Tips to Stay Safe:
- Go for regular prenatal check-ups
- Monitor blood pressure often
- Check urine for protein during pregnancy visits
- Eat a balanced diet (low salt, iron-rich food)
- Stay active with light walking or yoga (as per doctor)
- Take your iron and calcium supplements
- Avoid stress and get enough rest
- Tell your doctor if you had BP problems in earlier pregnancies
👩⚕️ When to Go to the Hospital?
Don’t wait.
Go to the hospital immediately if you have:
- Any kind of seizure or fit
- Severe headache or blurred vision
- High BP readings (more than 140/90 consistently)
- Sudden swelling of hands, face, or legs
- Pain in the upper right belly
📊 Summary Table – Eclampsia in Pregnancy
⚡ Topic | ✅ Quick Info |
What is it? | Seizures in pregnancy due to high BP |
Main signs | Fits, headache, blurry vision, high BP |
Risk factors | First pregnancy, twins, kidney problems |
Tests done | BP, urine protein, blood, ultrasound |
Treatment | Magnesium, BP meds, early delivery |
Prevention | Prenatal care, low salt diet, rest |
🤰 FAQs About Eclampsia
Q1. Is eclampsia the same as high BP in pregnancy?
👉 No. High BP (preeclampsia) can lead to eclampsia, but eclampsia is when seizures start.
Q2. Can eclampsia happen after delivery?
👉 Yes. It can happen up to 6 weeks after birth, so new mothers must still be careful.
Q3. Is normal delivery possible in eclampsia?
👉 Sometimes. But usually, C-section is done to protect mother and baby.
Q4. Will eclampsia happen in the next pregnancy too?
👉 Not always, but risk is higher. Talk to your doctor before next pregnancy.
Q5. What is the best way to prevent it?
👉 Early checkups, BP control, good diet, and following your doctor’s advice is the best way.
🧡 Conclusion – Early Care Saves Lives
Eclampsia is scary, but it can be treated if caught early.
That’s why every pregnant woman should:
- Go for regular doctor visits
- Keep track of their BP
- Listen to their body and report anything strange
💬 Don’t feel shy to ask your doctor questions. Your health and your baby’s safety come first.
OR If you need any information related to IVF, contact our Babybloom IVF Centre or call us at 9266046700 to clear your doubt.
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