Eclampsia is a medical condition causing the onset of convulsion due to uncontrolled rise in blood pressure and urinary protein loss in pregnant women.
It may occur quite abruptly without any warning manifestation. It is more common in women having their first child, mothers aged above 35 years and pregnancy with twins or triplets.
The onset of convulsions occurs most commonly beyond the 36th week of pregnancy, rarely can occur in early pregnancy.
Causes of Eclampsia
Eclampsia is mainly caused by a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain and it is provoked by:
- High blood pressure
- Decreased oxygen saturation
Symptoms of Eclampsia
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty in urination
- Headache
- Twitching of muscle of face, tongue and limbs
- Frothing at the corner of the mouth
- Rolled eyeball
- Difficulty in breathing
- Protruded tongue
- Abdominal pain
Complications associated with Eclampsia
- Injuries- Tongue, mouth and sometimes there could be severe injuries involving important organs
- Foetal distress
- Low weight baby
- Blindness
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Placental insufficiency
Prevention
Early detection and proper management of hypertension during pregnancy can prevent the occurrence of eclampsia and below mentioned preventive measures can help you manage eclampsia:
- Monitoring your blood pressure regularly during pregnancy
- If you are having high blood pressure then you should strive to keep it under control.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get enough rest
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid caffeinated drinks
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Stay hydrated
- Monitor and manage your diabetes
- Visit your doctor regularly
Red flags
- Rapid changes in blood pressure
- Fainting episodes
- Any sort of bleeding
- Severe headaches
- Reduction in movement of foetus
- If you notice any of these signs, please do not ignore them and consult your doctor immediately
Important: Eclampsia is potentially life threatening condition requiring urgent hospitalization and specialized medical care.
