Eclampsia Treatment

Once eclampsia develops, the only treatment is delivery of your baby (if eclampsia occurs prior to delivery). Eclampsia can also occur after delivery (up to 24 hours postpartum, typically). Rarely, eclampsia can be delayed and occur up to one week following delivery. There is no cure for eclampsia.

Magnesium sulfate (given intravenously) is the treatment of choice once eclampsia develops. This treatment decreases the chances of having recurrent seizures. Magnesium treatment is continued for a total of 24-48 hours after your last seizure. You may receive magnesium in an intensive care unit or a labor and delivery unit. While magnesium is given you will be observed closely, receive intravenous fluids, and have a Foley catheter placed in your bladder (to measure your urine output).

Occasionally, recurrent seizures require additional treatment with a short-acting barbiturate such as sodium amobarbital. Other medications including diazepam (Valium) or phenytoin (Dilantin) have been used to treat eclampsia; however, they are not as effective as magnesium sulfate.

You may also receive treatment for elevated blood pressure while being treated for eclampsia. Common blood pressure medications (for women with eclampsia) include hydralazine (Apresoline) or labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate).

Once the mother's condition is stabilized following a seizure, your doctor will prepare to deliver your baby. This can occur either by cesarean delivery or induction of labor and vaginal delivery. If you are already in labor, labor can be allowed to progress provided there is no evidence that your baby has become "distressed" or compromised by the seizure.

The closer you are to your due date, the more likely your cervix will be ripe (ready for delivery), and that induction of labor will be successful. Sometimes medications, such as oxytocin (Pitocin), are given to help induce labor.

• The earlier in pregnancy (24-34 weeks), the less chance of a successful induction (although induction  is still possible). It is more common to have a cesarean delivery when eclampsia necessitates delivery early in pregnancy.

• If the baby shows signs of compromise, such as decreased fetal heart rate, an immediate cesarean delivery will be performed.