Preeclampsia and EclampsiaEclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy complication. It is so rare that it only occurs 1 in every 2000 births. It is a condition in which a pregnant woman who has no pre-existing brain condition develops seizures. Women who are affected with eclampsia have been earlier diagnosed with preeclampsia. It is a condition in which blood pressure rises specifically during the 7th month of pregnancy onwards. Aside from high blood pressure, preeclampsia also involves rapid weight gain and the presence of protein in a pregnant woman’s urine. Preeclampsia occurs in 10 percent of all first pregnancies. Symptoms of Eclampsia Preeclampsia symptoms have become more severe when one develops eclampsia. Some of the symptoms are nausea and vomiting, seizures, muscle pain and headache. If eclampsia is not treated promptly, it can lead to liver failure, coma, pulmonary edema and bleeding (blood is unable to clot). The unborn baby can also be affected by this condition. The growth of the baby inside the uterus slows down because of blood flow problems to the placenta. Placenta may also be detached from the uterus and can lead to fetal death. The exact cause of eclampsia is unknown although studies say it may have something to do with the woman’s diet, genes, or problems with the blood circulation, placenta and the nervous system. Risk factors involved are:
If you were diagnosed with eclampsia, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam, administer blood tests to check for kidney and liver functions, and blood clotting ability. Urine tests are also necessary to measure the presence of protein in the urine. Read more of our articles on pregnancy complications
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy |