Eclampsia is a pregnancy complication in which high blood pressure leads to seizures or coma. It can be fatal to the birthing person and baby and is a medical emergency.
Conditions related to high blood pressure affect approximately 10% of pregnancies worldwide. One of these conditions is eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia. Eclampsia occurs when high blood pressure leads to seizures or even coma in a person during pregnancy.
Although advances in the medical management of eclampsia have reduced the number of fatalities associated with it, eclampsia is still the leading cause of maternal and fetal death. Current treatment plans for eclampsia often rely on monitoring, medications, and early delivery.
In addition to the information below, you can read more about eclampsia here .
Is eclampsia fatal?
Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that can be fatal for the birthing person or baby.
Although advances in the management of preeclampsia and eclampsia have reduced fatalities, preeclampsia results in the death of over 70,000 pregnant people and 500,000 fetuses around the world each year.
In the United States, Black women are at a greater risk for death from preeclampsia than white women. However, this risk is likely caused by several factors, such as structural racism and implicit bias in healthcare, chronic health conditions, and variable access to robust prenatal care.
What are the potential complications of eclampsia?
Some potential complications of eclampsia to the birthing person can include:
Even after giving birth, a birthing person who has eclampsia is at a greater risk of blood clots , strokes , and heart disease . Permanent injury to organs like the liver and kidneys can occur as well.
Postpartum eclampsia, high blood pressure that continues or persists after the birth, can also lead to death .
Can having eclampsia affect the baby?
Eclampsia may cause impaired fetal growth through a lack of oxygen and nutrients. It may also lead to a premature delivery. In some cases, it may even lead to stillbirth or infant death.
Early delivery and impaired fetal growth from preeclampsia and eclampsia are associated with a higher likelihood of:
Babies who are delivered early due to preeclampsia and eclampsia are more likely to have a prolonged hospital stay.
What causes eclampsia?
The exact causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia are unknown. One hypothesis for eclampsia is that preeclampsia may increase the ability for blood to pass through the blood-brain barrier, altering normal brain blood flow.
Risk factors for eclampsia can include:
How is eclampsia treated?
Treatment for eclampsia may begin with addressing an active seizure. This can include offering first aid and medications like magnesium sulfate. In some cases, intubation may be necessary.
Ultimately, delivery of the baby and placenta is required to treat eclampsia. The exact timing and style of delivery will depend upon the health of the birthing person and the fetus.
After delivery, it’s important to continue monitoring blood pressure levels and medications until conditions have fully stabilized.
Can you prevent eclampsia?
There’s no guaranteed way to avoid eclampsia, but taking steps to achieve a healthy weight and blood pressure prior to becoming pregnant may help to reduce your chances of developing it.
Once you become pregnant, it’s important to attend prenatal medical appointments and have your blood checked regularly, so you can catch signs of preeclampsia before it develops into eclampsia.
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco during your pregnancy may also help you to prevent developing eclampsia.
What’s the outlook for people who have eclampsia?
Advancements in medical monitoring and the management of preeclampsia have decreased the number of fatalities from eclampsia, but this condition is a critical one that must be taken seriously.
Although your blood pressure may return to normal shortly after delivery of the baby and placenta, having eclampsia increases the risk of long-term cardiovascular and kidney problems. This is particularly true when preeclampsia occurs early in the pregnancy.
Because a history of eclampsia can make you more likely to experience it in future pregnancies, it’s important to work with your doctor to closely monitor your blood pressure if you become pregnant again.
Frequently asked questions
Can eclampsia be cured?
Medications can be used to help prevent and treat seizures, but eclampsia can only truly be resolved by delivery of the baby and placenta.
How common is death from eclampsia?
Preeclampsia and eclampsia are the leading causes of mortality for birthing people and fetuses. Although fatality rates from eclampsia have been reduced, the risk of death from eclampsia is still very serious.
Takeaway
Eclampsia is potentially fatal for pregnant people and their babies. If you show symptoms of preeclampsia, like headaches, swelling in your face or hands, and vision problems, it’s important to talk with your doctor and have your blood pressure checked.
In order to treat eclampsia your doctor may recommend an early delivery. Medical staff will continue to monitor you after delivery to ensure that blood pressure levels return to normal and no complications persist.
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