If you are pregnant, you must be very concerned about your health and that of your baby, right? Sometimes, unexpected complications can arise during pregnancy. One such rare but potentially dangerous condition is called eclampsia. Let's talk about this in more detail today, shall we?

What is Eclampsia? How is it related to Preeclampsia?

Okay, first let's look at what preeclampsia is. Simply put, preeclampsia is high blood pressure that some people develop during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks, along with protein in the urine . This is a condition that is unique to pregnancy. Now, if this preeclampsia condition is not properly controlled, or if it becomes severe, it can develop into eclampsia . Eclampsia is when a person with preeclampsia has seizures or convulsions . A seizure is a sudden change in the normal functioning of the brain, resulting in sudden jerking of the body, loss of consciousness, and confusion.

The important thing is that not everyone with preeclampsia will develop eclampsia. It occurs in less than 3% of people with preeclampsia. However, it is a serious condition that requires emergency medical treatment .

Most of the time, doctors can catch preeclampsia before it progresses to eclampsia. That's why it's so important to keep your prenatal appointments. The only permanent cure for both conditions is to deliver the baby.

Who is at higher risk of developing eclampsia?

The main risk factor for developing eclampsia is having preeclampsia. However, other factors can increase this risk. Take a look:

• If you are expecting twins (or more).
• If you have an autoimmune condition , which means that the body's immune system attacks its own cells (for example, lupus).
• If you follow an unhealthy diet , or are obese (that is, if your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30).
• You already have diabetes .If you have diabetes mellitus, hypertension , or kidney disease .
• It's okay if you're under 17 or over 35 .
• If this is your first pregnancy .
• If someone in your family (mother, sister) or you have ever had preeclampsia or eclampsia.

However, it is important to remember that eclampsia can develop even in someone who does not have any of these risk factors.

What are the warning signs of Eclampsia?

Eclampsia often causes some warning signs before a seizure occurs. It is important to be aware of these so that you can seek treatment quickly.

• A very severe headache (not relieved by ordinary painkillers ).
• Difficulty breathing .
• Nausea and vomiting .
• Difficulty urinating , or decreased frequency of urination.
• Abdominal pain , especially in the upper right side (where the liver is).
• Blurred vision , seeing double vision, or a feeling of losing vision , or seeing lights in front of the eyes.
• Swelling in areas such as the hands, face, and ankles (especially sudden swelling).

If you have these symptoms , you should see a doctor immediately .

What are the main symptoms of Eclampsia?

The main and most obvious symptoms of eclampsia are:

• Seizures : Things like body tremors, twitching of limbs, and teeth grinding.
• Severe mental stress or confusion : Feeling as if your consciousness is impaired.
• Loss of consciousness .

What are the causes of eclampsia?

As we've discussed before, eclampsia often develops as a result of a more severe form of preeclampsia . The high blood pressure that occurs with preeclampsia puts a lot of pressure on your blood vessels, especially the blood vessels in your brain. This causes swelling in the brain, which can lead to seizures. Genetics and diet also play a role.I think this may have some impact.

How do you know for sure if you have eclampsia?

Your obstetrician will confirm whether you have eclampsia. This is usually done when you have a seizure. In addition, your doctor will:

• Physical examination : Your general health and symptoms are checked.
• Check your blood pressure regularly : Check for high blood pressure.
• Blood tests : These check for abnormalities in things like red blood cell count, platelet count (cells that help blood clot), and liver function.
• Urine tests : These check for excess protein in the urine.
• Creatinine tests : Creatinine is a waste product that is filtered out by our kidneys. High levels of this in the blood may indicate a problem with kidney function.

The doctor also regularly checks the baby's health. He or she will perform an ultrasound to check the baby's heartbeat, movement, growth, and the condition of the placenta.

How is Eclampsia treated?

The best and only permanent treatment for eclampsia is to deliver the baby , as the condition completely resolves once the pregnancy is over.

• If the baby is at least 37 weeks pregnant (that is, if the due date is complete), doctors often try to induce labor to deliver the baby quickly.
• If both you and your baby are in good health, you can have a normal vaginal delivery. However, in some cases, an emergency C-section may be necessary.

If you need to wait until the baby is born or until the baby is a little more mature, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:

• Anticonvulsant medications : These are given to stop seizures and prevent them from coming back. Most often, a medicine called magnesium sulfate is given as an infusion into a vein.
• Blood pressure lowering medication : Control high blood pressure.
• Corticosteroids : These medications help the baby's lungs develop quickly and become stronger, especially if the baby has to be delivered early.

What other complications can occur due to eclampsia?

Eclampsia is a serious condition that can cause various complications for both the mother and the baby. The following can happen to the mother:

• Placental abruption: The placenta detaches from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This is very dangerous.
• Preterm labor .
• Blood clotting problems .
• Stroke .
• Kidney failure .
• Liver damage .
• Death (but this is very rare and can be prevented if treated promptly).

How does eclampsia affect the baby? Eclampsia does not usually cause long-term health problems for the baby. However, the condition can affect the placenta. As you know, the placenta is the source of oxygen, blood, and nutrition for the baby. So if its function is disrupted, the baby can experience the following effects:

• Placental abruption .
• A stillbirth (this is also very rare).
• Increased chance of having a baby by cesarean section (C-section) .
• Premature birth .
• Low birth weight .
• Restriction of the baby's growth .

How to reduce the risk of developing eclampsia?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, there are things we can do to reduce the risk:

• If you have preeclampsia, the most important thing is to get it treated properly .
• Seek medical advice promptly, and keep your prenatal appointments on time, so your doctor can check your blood pressure and urine protein levels regularly.
• Following a healthy lifestyle : Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise as recommended by your doctor.
• If you are at high risk for developing preeclampsia (for example, if you have had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, or if you have high blood pressure), your doctor may recommend that you start taking low-dose aspirin during the first trimester of pregnancy . This has been found to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. However, this should only be done under the advice of a doctor .

Can Eclampsia be cured?

Yes, most people recover completely after having a baby. However, there are some things to keep in mind during your recovery:

• Eat a good nutritious diet .
• Stay as active as possible (as advised by your doctor).
• Have a good rest .
• Even after you have the baby , go to your postnatal appointments on time .
• Reduce stress as much as possible .
• Take all the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time .
• Take good care of your blood pressure for at least two weeks after having your baby, and measure it at home if necessary.

Eclampsia is not always fatal. Most people recover if treated quickly. So don't panic, but be very careful.

When should I see a doctor as soon as possible?

If you develop any of these new symptoms during pregnancy, you should go to the hospital or see a doctor immediately :

• If you have a new seizure - this is an emergency!
• A very severe headache.
• Vaginal bleeding .
• If you feel like you're losing your vision, or if you see two images, or if you see lights in front of your eyes.
• If you have severe stomach pain (especially in the upper right side).
• If you vomit frequently.
• If you feel like your baby's movements have slowed down or stopped.

Remember, eclampsia is a rare condition, but it can be very dangerous during pregnancy. Early treatment for preeclampsia can help prevent eclampsia. Regular visits to your antenatal clinics for blood pressure, blood and urine tests can help detect early signs of eclampsia. If you have any symptoms such as confusion, headache, blurred vision, or cramps, contact your obstetrician immediately.

The most important things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so here are some things you need to remember from what we talked about today:

• Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that can occur during pregnancy. It can cause seizures. It can be life-threatening .
• Be very careful about symptoms like high blood pressure, protein in the urine, severe headaches, vision changes, stomach pain, and sudden swelling.
• Never miss your prenatal appointments. Get the tests your doctor tells you to do. This is the best way to protect yourself and your baby.
• If you notice any of the warning signs or symptoms mentioned above, seek medical advice immediately . The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat and the fewer complications.
• Delivery is the main treatment for eclampsia. However, there are medications that can be used to control the condition before that.
• Most people recover completely from eclampsia. So don't panic, but be very careful and follow your doctor's instructions .

Wishing you and your baby good health!