Eclampsia: Signs, Symptoms And Treatment; Everything You Need To Know

Eclampsia is a rare but serious condition characterized by one or more seizures during pregnancy or postpartum.

Former US Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie, who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2016 Olympics, died last month of pregnancy complications. She was found dead in her home on May 2 and she was eight months pregnant. USA Track & Field confirmed last month that Bowie had died in childbirth. But the 32-year-old woman’s autopsy suggested that she possibly suffered from respiratory distress and eclampsia. Tori Bowie’s death has once highlighted the issue of maternal mortality. Here is everything you need to know about eclampsia, its symptoms and treatment.

What is eclampsia?

Eclampsia is a rare but serious condition characterized by one or more seizures during pregnancy or postpartum. It develops from preeclampsia, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Preeclampsia occurs when women develop high blood pressure and complications such as protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Preeclampsia affects 5 to 7 percent of all pregnancies worldwide. It is responsible for more than 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 fetal deaths. If left untreated, it can lead to brain damage, coma, and possible death of the mother and fetus.

Signs and symptoms of eclampsia

According to doctors, preeclampsia, which causes high blood pressure in pregnancy, can lead to eclampsia if not treated early. These are the common symptoms of eclampsia:

1. High blood pressure
2. Seizures
3. Increased swelling in the face and hands.
4. Chronic headaches
5. Weight gain
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Changes in vision
8. Severe abdominal pain

treatment for eclampsia

It should be understood that women with preeclampsia can give birth to healthy babies and at the same time ensure their full recovery. Speaking of treatment, it’s important to ensure early detection and regular prenatal checkups. Some basic measures and regular tests can help reduce the risk of the disease.

You may need to have regular monitoring until delivery and complete bed rest. If needed, doctors often prescribe low-dose aspirin to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Patients may also receive anti-seizure medications such as magnesium sulfate or steroid injections. Regular blood and urine tests and scans of the fetus are also required.