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Preeclampsia vs Eclampsia: Key Differences, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dr. Pujil Gulati, IVF Specialist with over 13 years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Techniques BabyBloom IVF Gurgaon

February 7, 2025

Introduction

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, but it can also bring unexpected complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. These hypertensive disorders affect 5-8% of pregnancies globally, posing risks to both mother and baby. Understanding the difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia is vital for early diagnosis and effective management. In this blog, we’ll break down their symptoms, causes, treatments, and preventive measures to empower expectant mothers with life-saving knowledge. Preeclampsia vs Eclampsia

What is Preeclampsia?

Main Point: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder marked by high blood pressure and organ damage, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation.

Preeclampsia develops in pregnant women after the 20th week of pregnancy, often impacting the liver, kidneys, or brain. It is diagnosed when a woman has:

High blood pressure (≥140/90 mmHg)
Proteinuria (excess protein in urine) or signs of organ dysfunction.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia:

Severe headaches
Vision changes (blurriness, light sensitivity)
Upper abdominal pain (near the liver)
Sudden weight gain or swelling (edema) in hands/face
Shortness of breath

Left untreated, preeclampsia can escalate to eclampsia or cause HELLP syndrome (a life-threatening liver and blood clotting disorder).

What is Eclampsia?

Main Point: Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia characterized by seizures or coma in pregnant women, requiring emergency medical care. Preeclampsia vs Eclampsia

Eclampsia occurs when preeclampsia progresses to involve tonic-clonic seizures (similar to epileptic seizures) or loss of consciousness. These seizures can happen during pregnancy, labor, or even postpartum (up to 48 hours after delivery).

Symptoms of Eclampsia:

Seizures lasting 60–75 seconds
Severe agitation or confusion
Loss of consciousness
Muscle pain and headaches post-seizure

Eclampsia is rare (1 in 200 preeclampsia cases) but fatal if untreated. Immediate hospitalization is critical.

Key Differences Between Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Aspect	Preeclampsia	Eclampsia
Definition	Hypertensive disorder with organ damage	Preeclampsia + seizures/coma
Timing	After 20 weeks of pregnancy	During pregnancy, labor, or postpartum
Symptoms	High BP, proteinuria, headaches	Seizures, unconsciousness
Severity	Potentially dangerous	Life-threatening emergency
Prevalence	5-8% of pregnancies	1 in 200 preeclampsia cases

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of both conditions is unknown, experts link them to placental abnormalities that disrupt blood flow. Common risk factors include:

First-time pregnancy Read More:– Pregnancy symptoms in Hindi
History of preeclampsia
Obesity or diabetes
Multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets)
Chronic hypertension or kidney disease Preeclampsia vs Eclampsia

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing Preeclampsia:

Regular blood pressure checks
Urine tests for proteinuria
Blood tests (liver/kidney function, platelet count)
Ultrasound to monitor fetal growth

Treating Preeclampsia:

Antihypertensive drugs to lower BP (e.g., labetalol)
Corticosteroids to speed up fetal lung development if early delivery is needed
Magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
Delivery of the baby (only cure for preeclampsia)

Managing Eclampsia:

Immediate administration of magnesium sulfate to stop seizures
Emergency delivery if the mother’s or baby’s life is at risk
Postpartum monitoring for 48 hours

Prevention Tips

Prenatal care: Attend all check-ups for early detection.
Low-dose aspirin: Recommended for high-risk women after 12 weeks.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and avoid smoking.
Monitor BP at home: Track blood pressure regularly if at risk.

Why Early Detection Matters

Untreated preeclampsia/eclampsia can lead to:

Placental abruption
Stroke or brain injury
Preterm birth/low birth weight
Maternal or fetal death

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can preeclampsia occur postpartum?
Yes, though rare, it can develop up to 6 weeks after delivery.
Does eclampsia affect future pregnancies?
Women with a history of preeclampsia/eclampsia have a 20-40% recurrence risk.
Are there long-term effects?
Both conditions increase lifelong risks of heart disease and kidney issues.
Can you have eclampsia without preeclampsia?
No—eclampsia is always preceded by preeclampsia.

Conclusion

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious but manageable with timely care. The key difference lies in the presence of seizures, which escalate preeclampsia to eclampsia. By attending prenatal visits, monitoring symptoms, and adhering to medical advice, mothers can mitigate risks and ensure safer pregnancies.

Act Now: If you experience symptoms like severe headaches, swelling, or vision changes, contact your healthcare provider or visit our Babybloom IVF Centre Gugraon immediately. Share this guide to spread awareness and save lives!