Eclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What is Eclampsia?

Although a rare occurrence, eclampsia meaning is that it is a severe condition that can develop in women with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a disorder that is related to pregnancy and takes place when a person has high blood pressure and protein present in their urine. Eclampsia is when preeclampsia builds even further and the person starts experiencing seizures. These seizures include a lot of intense shaking and confusion that is caused due to abnormal brain activity. Postpartum eclampsia is when the seizures continue to occur even after birth.

Those suffering from this condition should seek medical help as soon as possible as this can affect both the mother and the fetus.

Eclampsia Causes

It is understood that eclampsia is associated with issues in the placenta that can disturb the blood flow between the mother and the fetus. It usually occurs as a result of preeclampsia, but the exact pathophysiology of eclampsia is still unknown.

However, there are still certain factors that can increase the risk of developing eclampsia:

• If you have a history of preeclampsia in your previous pregnancies, then you may have a higher risk of redeveloping preeclampsia and eclampsia.
• you suffer from chronic blood pressure or any kidney disease.
• If you are experiencing a first-time pregnancy or carrying out a pregnancy with a new partner.
• If you’re pregnant with multiple babies, i.e., you’re carrying twins or triplets.
• If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 35 years of age.
• If you are obese in weight or suffer from diabetes.

Diagnosis of Eclampsia

Usually, eclampsia is diagnosed when a person with preeclampsia experiences seizures. Apart from that, the following tests can also assist in eclampsia diagnosis:

• Blood Pressure Monitoring : This helps determine if you have persistent high blood pressure.
• Urine Tests : These can detect the protein levels in your urine.
• Blood Tests : These can identify any problems that may exist in your red blood cells, platelets, or kidney function.
• Creatinine Tests : These tests can measure the waste product levels in your body, helping you assess the health of your kidney.

Eclampsia Treatment Options

Usually, eclampsia is diagnosed when a person with preeclampsia experiences seizures. Apart from that, the following tests can also assist in eclampsia diagnosis:

• Delivery : The primary way of eclampsia treatment is to deliver the baby. Once you are stable and not experiencing any seizures, it is recommended to have an immediate delivery.
• Seizure Control : Consuming intravenous magnesium sulfate can stop or prevent your seizures.
• Alternatives : In case magnesium sulfate is ineffective for you, then you may be given other anticonvulsant medications, such as benzodiazepines.
• Blood Pressure Management : You may also be prescribed medications like labetalol or hydralazine to lower your blood pressure.

The Link Between Eclampsia and Infertility

Currently, researchers have not found any direct link between eclampsia and infertility. However, this condition can affect the success of your pregnancy and prevent your placenta from functioning normally. Some effects include:

• Detachment of the placenta from the uterus
• Stillbirth
• Increased risk of a C-section delivery
• Preterm labour and a low birth weight

Impact of Eclampsia on Future Fertility

There are no long-term health issues that are caused by eclampsia. However, it can indirectly cause certain complications with future pregnancies. These complications are:

• Recurrence of preeclampsia
• Problems with the placenta’s functioning
• Preterm delivery

Preventive Measures for Eclampsia

There are various steps that you can take to reduce the risk of developing eclampsia, including:

• Attend all prenatal appointments regularly.
• With the recommendation of a doctor, start low-dose aspirin in your first trimester.
• Alert your doctor if you experience any initial symptoms of preeclampsia.
• Manage any pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that you may have.

Eclampsia and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Couples facing fertility challenges often opt for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a way to achieve a successful pregnancy, While ART can be beneficial in many ways, it may also increase the risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Some eclampsia risk factors of ART are:

• Frozen Embryo Transfers
• Hormone Stimulation
• Donor Sperm or Embryos

Tips for Women with Eclampsia History Planning Pregnancy

If you have a history of eclampsia, then there are some changes you can make in your lifestyle that can minimise the complications in your future pregnancies. Here are some habits you can develop:

• Limit high amounts of salt and sugar in your meals and focus on nutrient-rich foods.
• Take part in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day, such as walking.
• Reduce the stress in your daily life by practicing any relaxation techniques that suit you.
• Achieve a healthy weight before you plan to conceive.

When To Seek Help?

We recommend you seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during your pregnancy:

• New or worsening seizures
• Severe headaches or vision loss
• Intense pain in the abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding
• Reduced or no movement of the fetus

Conclusion

Eclampsia is a serious condition that can create many complications in your pregnancy. However, with an early diagnosis and proper treatment of eclampsia, most people can recover fully.