Preeclampsia vs Eclampsia: Difference, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained

What Are Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia are both serious high blood pressure disorders observed in pregnant women after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In Preeclampsia, women start to experience sudden spikes in high blood pressure (going over 140/90) around the midway mark of pregnancy (i.e., 20 weeks of gestation). On the other hand, eclampsia can be described as a severe complication of preeclampsia, in which a woman with preeclampsia develops unexplained seizures.

Both preeclampsia and eclampsia are dangerous, potentially fatal conditions that may require urgent medical attention. Thus, it is crucial to diagnose them early to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.

Preeclampsia vs Eclampsia – Key Difference

Core differences in preeclampsia vs eclampsia:

• Preeclampsia is marked by high blood pressure and an increased level of protein in the urine during pregnancy. At the same time, eclampsia is defined by the development of seizures or convulsions in women already affected with preeclampsia.
• Eclampsia is typically seen as a worse or advanced stage of preeclampsia, which requires urgent medical attention.
• High blood pressure problems like preeclampsia are common in pregnant women, while eclampsia is a rare but also more serious medical condition.
• Both preeclampsia and eclampsia pose a serious health risk to the mother and the baby. Preeclampsia presents an increased risk of preterm birth, loss in pregnancy, stroke, and organ damage. On the other hand, eclampsia is when a pregnant woman develops seizures, which can lead to coma or even the death of the mother.

Causes and Risk Factors

Researchers are still trying to figure out what causes preeclampsia and eclampsia. However, doctors have already pinpointed many risk factors, which include

• First-time pregnancy or multiple pregnancies (twins, triples, etc.)
• Family or personal history of preeclampsia. If someone in your first-degree relatives developed it, or if you had it in your previous pregnancy.
• Kidney disease or autoimmune disorder.
• Chronic hypertension and diabetes are also major risk factors.

Diagnosis of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

The healthcare provider in charge of prenatal care will regularly monitor the woman's blood pressure throughout pregnancy. If the blood pressure is higher than healthy levels, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy, then the doctors may order a urine analysis to look for levels of certain proteins in it. Bloodwork may also be performed to check for liver and kidney functions. It is also usual for doctors to use an ultrasound to check for fetal growth assessment.

Treatment and Management

The treatment for preeclampsia and eclampsia depends on the severity of the condition, gestational age, and overall health of the baby and mother. For Mild Preeclampsia, the patient needs to be on strict bed rest, while doctors regularly monitor her condition. Some medication may be prescribed to bring blood pressure back to normal levels. This strict bed rest helps lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the placenta.

In case of eclampsia or severe preeclampsia, the woman will be asked to stay at the hospital to provide round-the-clock prenatal care. Women with eclampsia may be given magnesium sulfate through an intravenous line to prevent seizure attacks.

However, the final treatment for preeclampsia and eclampsia is delivering the children. Typically, doctors will try the delivery at around 37 weeks of pregnancy after checking on the overall health of the mother and fetus.

Many times, the baby has to be delivered earlier. In around 4 weeks of delivery, the signs of preeclampsia start to fade away, but proper monitoring and follow-up care are also necessary in the postpartum phase.

Complications of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

If left untreated, preeclampsia and eclampsia can cause serious complications for both the mother and baby, including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and organ damage (kidney, liver, brain). In the worst-case scenarios, severe preeclampsia can risk the lives of both the baby and the mother, as it has a significant maternal mortality rate.

Prevention Tips for Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

• Do not miss your regular prenatal check-ups so the doctors can continue monitoring your blood pressure.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and whole proteins.
• Keep yourself hydrated while avoiding excessive salt intake
• Overall, follow a healthy lifestyle and manage stress

Conclusion

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious pregnancy-related complications, and if left untreated, they can be fatal for both the mother and the baby. Thus, it is important to manage this condition as early as possible with proper medical care.

Regular prenatal visits to your healthcare provider and monitoring your blood pressure are essential for early diagnosis and to prevent serious complications.