Eclampsia is one of the dominant health complications like jaundice, high blood pressure during pregnancy. Doctors call it pre-eclampsia or eclampsia which can cause death to the mother.

Causes of pre-eclampsia:

Common causes that increase the risk of this complication include the first time of being a mother, pregnancy below 20 years of age and over 40 years of age, high blood pressure, more than one baby in the womb, diabetic issues, kidney problems and inheritance. About 5% of pregnant women have the likelihood of having pre-eclampsia, but unfortunately, such a complicacy does produce little to almost no symptoms. Even if you feel well, chances are that you and your baby might be endangered. Make sure to have your blood pressure and urinal protein examined properly every time you go to a doctor.

The most probable time for eclampsia to occur in a pregnant woman is after the 37^th week of her pregnancy. However, it might occur at other times too including the second stage of pregnancy, during the delivery or even after the delivery, especially 48 hours after delivery. At the beginning, it may occur at a moderate or intense level, but it may increase either slowly or gradually with time.

5 symptoms of pre-eclampsia:

Fluid retention:

Fluid retention is the likely symptom that leads to eclampsia. If you observe anything like sudden accumulation of fluid under the skin of your face, eyes, hands, heel and feet, you should go to the doctor immediately. Due to such retention, weight gain becomes a likely incidence. If you gain an excess of 4 kilograms a week, you must inform your doctor. Remember, fluid retention is not common in all women who experience eclampsia.

Severe headache:

Severe headache is another sign indicating the imminence of pre-eclampsia.

Problems with eyesight:

Various problems with the eyesight like double vision, fuzzy eyes, visibility of light sparks or lines before eyes, weak eyesight and sensitivity to light indicate pre-eclampsia.

Stomach pain:

Some women vulnerable to pre-eclampsia may feel intense stomach pain.

Vomiting:

Being affected by eclampsia, many women feel nauseated, and even they vomit.

Why is pre-eclampsia dangerous during pregnancy?

Being somehow apparently similar to the general issues of pregnancy in terms of symptoms and effects, pre-eclampsia is often overlooked. If blood pressure runs high and protein is present in your urine, eclampsia can be determined. If the systolic blood pressure is equal to or higher than 140 and the diastolic pressure is equal to or higher than 90, the doctor might ask you to undergo other tests. The blood pressure being fluctuated too often requires to be examined more often than once.

In some women, some other symptoms may be visible which are known as HELP that causes destruction or rupture to the red blood cells, a condition named hemolysis. Further consequences include increase of enzyme in blood and decrease in platelets, an agent that helps freeze the blood. Once identified, pre-eclampsia needs to be kept under observation through blood test. Adequate amount of rest and prescribed medicines can be taken to control blood pressure.

Women with eclampsia are likely to give birth to dead babies. Frequent occurrence of it causes hindrance to the circulation of blood and thus transportation of oxygen to the baby. Moreover, some medicines prescribed to stop eclampsia may cause death to the baby.

Things to do on seeing the symptoms of eclampsia:

The doctor may suggest a cesarean procedure if a little pre-eclampsia is noticed after the 37^th week of pregnancy and the condition of both the mother and the child seem unfavorable.

If the age of pregnancy is below 37 weeks and the condition of the mother and the baby is stable, the doctor might suggest admission into the hospital or stay at home with frequent blood test followed. You will be recommended to undergo ultrasonography in order to notice the movement of the baby inside. Lack of movements from the baby and increase of blood pressure in the mother require immediate transfer of the mother to the hospital and quick delivery.

If you have severe eclampsia, you will need to stay at the hospital for longer under the observation of high risk specialist. To prevent eclampsia, magnesium sulfate injection will be given through your veins. In addition, other medications will be allowed if you have high blood pressure.

If blood pressure is at high after 24 hours of the delivery, magnesium sulfate injection may also be given along with other medications to take while at home.

Ways to prevent pre-eclampsia:

Several steps that can prevent such condition include regular antenatal and blood checkups, pregnancy care, examination to identify fluid retention and protein release through urine.

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