Eclampsia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Eclampsia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.

Updated: 23 February 2026

Author: Dr. Humaira Latif, MBBS (KMU Peshawar)

1. Specialty: Gynaecologist / Obstetrician, Ultrasound Specialist, 14+ years of clinical experience

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnant women experiencing concerning symptoms should seek immediate medical care from qualified healthcare providers or emergency services.

Introduction:

Eclampsia is a serious and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication characterized by the onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia.

Globally, it affects approximately 1 in 2000 pregnancies and remains a significant cause of maternal and fetal complications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 

hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including preeclampsia and eclampsia, are among the leading contributors maternal mortality worldwide. 

Early diagnosis and proper monitoring can significantly reduce risks and improve outcomes.

Article Include:

• Eclampsia
• Causes of eclampsia
• Symptoms and signs of eclampsia 
• Diagnosis
• Management
• Prevention 
• Frequently asked questions

Eclampsia?

Eclampsia is an acute Obstetric emergency when a pregnant woman, who has preeclampsia (incidentally diagnosed), develop generalized seizures; however, when a neurologist examines the patient, they can find no other reason for the woman's seizures to occur other than eclampsia. 

Eclampsia usually develops between the 20th week of gestation through either the labor process or after childbirth. The exact reason for the development of eclampsia is primarily due to disturbances of blood vessels/vascular and endothelial cells in the mother, which negatively affects cerebral blood flow regulation, thus predisposing her to having seizures.

Eclampsia Medical Emergency:

Eclampsia is considered a medical emergency due to the sudden onset of neurological symptoms presented by a woman who currently has hypertension and therefore, it requires immediate hospital assessment and specialized Obstetricians care to protect both the mother and fetus.

The increased chance of developing eclampsia due to a lack of consistent and thorough prenatal care.

Which Females Are At More Risks:

Pregnant females without adequate prenatal checks throughout pregnancy face much higher chances of developing eclampsia than those who do. Regular antenatal visits are an opportunity for healthcare providers to identify early hypertensive signs, measure blood pressure, and create preventative plans — all of which dramatically reduce maternal and fetal complications.

Difference between eclampsia and preeclampsia:

How Common is Eclampsia:

 (preeclampsia/eclampsia) according to the World Health Organization (Fact Sheet, 2023), which indicates how much proper prenatal care is needed on a worldwide scale.

Causes Of Eclampsia:

Eclampsia development isn't fully understood. However, there is research to support a number of physiological mechanisms involved in eclampsia's development.

1)Underdeveloped Placenta

Underdevelopment or mal-development of the placenta may contribute to inadequate blood flow to the placenta and may also lead to damage to the endothelium (vessel linings) throughout the body, resulting in increased blood pressure, increased demand on the organs and causing neurophysiological changes that can produce seizures.

2)Vascular System Changes

The cardiopulmonary system changes due to pregnancy may create additional stress on the vascular system, including constriction of blood vessels and changes in how blood pressure is regulated, with the result that they will create increased risk of systemic and cerebral complications.

3)Neurological Changes

The stress on the vascular system caused by vascular system dysfunction, combined with high blood pressure and endothelium dysfunction, can significantly alter the normal functioning of the brain, causing seizures that occur in eclamptic patients.

Risk Factors:

Eclampsia is not a universal occurrence in all pregnancies; however, there are certain factors related to the mother, the pregnancy, and the general health of the mother which increase the chance of developing eclampsia.

Many of the risk factors for developing eclampsia are similar to risk factors associated with forming preeclampsia, which generally occurs prior to eclampsia.

 Eclampsia is an extremely dangerous development of pregnancies associated with hypertension.

Having knowledge of these risk factors may allow medical professionals and mothers-to-be to identify who would benefit from increased monitoring and/or specialized prenatal care.

1.History of Preeclampsia or Eclampsia

Women who have a prior history of preeclampsia or eclampsia during a previous pregnancy will have a much higher chance of developing these clinical states again in a later pregnancy.

2.First Pregnancy.

Having never been pregnant before is a fairly well-recognized risk factor for developing preeclampsia and/or eclampsia. Pregnancies where a woman is pregnant for the first time are at greater risk for developing preeclampsia than a woman who is having her second or subsequent pregnancy. Also, if preeclampsia is not recognized and treated early, the chances of developing eclampsia will be very high.

3.Chronic Hypertension

Women who are hypertensive prior to becoming pregnant have a much greater likelihood of developing preeclampsia and/or eclampsia than a woman with normal blood pressure who becomes pregnant. Additionally, women with pre-existing chronic hypertension will have increased stresses placed on the cardiovascular and renal systems as a result of their pregnancy. 

4.Pre-Existing Diabetes

Women who have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes prior to becoming pregnant will

Having risk factors increases the likelihood but does not guarantee seizures.

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

• Neurological Symptoms
• Persistent headaches
• Visual changes (blurred vision, flashing lights)
• Altered consciousness
• Seizures
• Other Signs of Advanced Preeclampsia
• High blood pressure
• Swelling of hands and face
• Upper abdominal pain
• Reduced urine output
• Shortness of breath

According to Cleveland Clinic, seizures in eclampsia are typically generalized tonic-clonic.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:

1. Blood pressure measurement
2. Urine protein testing
3. Blood tests:
4. Liver function
5. Kidney function
6. Platelet count
7. Neurological examination
8. Fetal monitoring
9. Rule out other causes of seizures such as epilepsy or infections.

Management Principles:

Eclampsia is a medical emergency. Management focuses on stabilization, seizure control, blood pressure management, and delivery planning.

1. Stabilization

• Maintain airway
• Provide oxygen
• Establish IV access

2. Seizure Control

Magnesium sulfate is the first-line treatment (per ACOG guidelines)

3. Blood Pressure Control

Antihypertensive medications as needed under supervision

4. Delivery Planning

Delivery is the only definitive treatment for eclampsia

Decisions depend on:

• Gestational age
• Maternal stability
• Fetal condition
• Possible Complications

Maternal:

• Stroke
• Pulmonary edema
• Organ failure

Fetal:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Fetal distress

Early detection improves outcomes for both mother and baby.

Prevention Strategies:

Although not all cases are preventable, risk can be reduced through:

• Regular antenatal care
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Screening for proteinuria
• Managing chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes)
• Low-dose aspirin for at-risk women, per ACOG recommendations

WHO recommendation: Early prenatal visits are crucial for prevention.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Pregnant women should seek urgent medical attention if experiencing:

• Persistent headache
• Visual disturbances
• Sudden swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures

Timely care can prevent life-threatening complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Can eclampsia occur after delivery?

Yes. It can happen within the first 48 hours postpartum and occasionally up to a few weeks after birth.

2. How common is eclampsia?

It is rare but can be severe when it occurs.

3. Will you always have warning signs before a seizure?

Not necessarily. Some women may experience classic warning signs, while others may have seizures without prior symptoms.

Conclusion: 

Eclampsia is a serious complication of preeclampsia causing seizures

• Early prenatal care significantly reduces the risk
• Hospital monitoring is essential for safety
• Educational awareness improves maternal outcomes

Author’s Note:

Dr. Humaira Latif is a Registered Medical Practitioner and Gynaecologist/Obstetrician with over 14 years of clinical experience.

 This article follows evidence-based obstetric guidelines and has been reviewed for clarity and public education.

Related Articles You Should Read:

For readers interested in exploring related maternal and pregnancy topics, the following guides may provide additional valuable insights:

1.Guide to Hyperemesis Gravidarum – Understanding severe pregnancy nausea and vomiting

https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2025/02/hyperemesis-gravidarum-guide.html

2.Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan – Nutritional strategies for managing blood sugar during pregnancy

https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2025/05/gestational-diabetes-diet-plan.html

3.Cervical Cerclage in Pregnancy – Overview of procedure, indications, and care

https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2025/02/cervical-cerclage-pregnancy.html

4.Early Pregnancy Loss Support Guide – Emotional and educational support for early pregnancy loss

https://dryasirhumaira342.blogspot.com/2026/02/early-pregnancy-loss-support-guide.html

References (Educational Resources):

Below are trusted sources used as the foundation for evidence and clinical definitions in this article:

1. World Health Organization – Pre‑eclampsia and Eclampsia Fact Sheet (Updated 2025)https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pre-eclampsia.
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Practice Bulletin No. 222: Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia
3. Clinical guidance on diagnosis and management of hypertensive complications in pregnancy.https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/06/gestational-hypertension-and-preeclampsia.
4. Cleveland Clinic – Eclampsia Overview (Medically Reviewed)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24333-eclampsia.
5. Mayo Clinic – Preeclampsia: Symptoms causes  .https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preeclampsia/symptoms-causes/syc-2035574.