Eclampsia
Eclampsia is a life-threatening complication in which a woman with preeclampsia develops seizures during pregnancy, labour, or shortly after birth. It occurs when uncontrolled high blood pressure and inflammation affect the brain. Symptoms that may precede a seizure include severe persistent headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, and sudden worsening swelling. The seizures can deprive both mother and baby of oxygen and require immediate emergency treatment including anticonvulsant medication and stabilisation of blood pressure. Delivery of the baby is often the definitive treatment. Eclampsia is rare but can occur even in women with previously mild preeclampsia.
What This Means for You
Understanding Eclampsia is an important part of your pregnancy/postpartum journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
Explore our Pregnancy hubGood to Know
Eclampsia is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care. Call 995 for an ambulance or get to the nearest hospital emergency department at once. It can occur up to several weeks after delivery, so postpartum women with preeclampsia should not ignore warning symptoms.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Free Tools for Singapore Parents
Put your knowledge into action with our free calculators and trackers.