Eclampsia

Fetal Development Slideshow

• Eclampsia Overview
• Eclampsia Causes
• Eclampsia Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests for Eclampsia
• Eclampsia Treatment
• Medications for Eclampsia
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Eclampsia Overview

Eclampsia, a life-threatening complicatio of pregnancy, results when a pregnant woman previously diagnosed with preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine) develops seizures or coma. In some cases, seizures or coma may be the first recognizable sign that a pregnant woman has preeclampsia. Key warning signs of eclampsia in a woman diagnosed with preeclampsia may be severe headaches, blurred or double vision, or seeing spots. Toxemia is a common name used to describe preeclampsia and eclampsia.

There has never been any evidence suggesting an orderly progression of disease beginning with mild preeclampsia progressing to severe preeclampsia and then on to eclampsia. The disease process can begin mild and stay mild, or can be initially diagnosed as eclampsia without prior warning.

• Approximately 5-7% of all pregnancies are complicated by preeclampsia.

• Preeclampsia usually occurs in a woman's first pregnancy but may occur for the first time in a subsequent pregnancy.

• Less than one in 100 women with preeclampsia will develop eclampsia or (convulsions or seizures) or coma.

• Up to 20% of all pregnancies are complicated by high blood pressure. Complications resulting from high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and eclampsia may account for up to 20% of all deaths that occur in pregnant women.