Pregnancy is a beautiful phase of life. It can be magical for a mother; no one wants any complications during this period. However, there may come a unique set of health challenges. One such uncommon condition is Eclampsia. It can be serious for expecting mothers. Eclampsia can cause multiple health issues, including difficulty in urinating, high blood pressure, vision problems, and much more. Most of you may not know about eclampsia meaning. We have curated this blog to clarify eclampsia definition, its causes, and ways to reduce the risks.
What is Eclampsia Meaning?
Eclampsia is a severe and rare pregnancy complication. It usually follows a condition called preeclampsia. The latter one is identified by – an increase in blood pressure and protein in the urine after you complete 20 weeks of pregnancy.
In Eclampsia, you may encounter seizures that can pose a risk to yours and the baby’s life. Studies say that 10-15% of maternal deaths occur due to preeclampsia and Eclampsia.
Types of Eclampsia
Eclampsia is categorised into multiple categories:
- Antepartum – In this, seizures may occur during pregnancy but before delivery.
- Intrapartum – You may experience a seizure during labour and delivery.
- Postpartum – There are seizures after delivery, possibly within the first 48 hours. It may also go up to 4 weeks after delivery.
Who is at Risk of Developing Eclampsia?
While any pregnant woman can be at risk of developing eclampsia symptoms, these factors can increase its likelihood:
- Women who are under the age of 20 or above 40
- Preeclampsia and Eclampsia are seen commonly in first-time pregnancies.
- If you have any history of these conditions, it can increase your risk.
- With some conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney, and autoimmune disorders, chances of preeclampsia and Eclampsia can heighten.
What Symptoms Should You Watch Out for?
For effective eclampsia management, you must know the ways to diagnose it timely. The identification of the following eclampsia symptoms can help you:
- Severe headaches
- Blurry vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right abdominal
- Face and hands swelling
- Seizures
If you have any of these eclampsia symptoms, consult a doctor at the earliest to avoid any pregnancy complications.
What are Eclampsia Causes?
So far, doctors are not sure of the exact eclampsia causes since it is followed by preeclampsia. So, here are some possible causes:
- Placental dysfunction
- Improper immune response
- Genetics
- Blood vessels damage
Is it Possible to Prevent Eclampsia?
Eclampsia can’t be prevented, but you can take the following steps for eclampsia management:
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Early Prenatal Care
Go for regular checkups to check your health status and detect the types of Eclampsia and its signs. Early intervention can prevent it from developing further.
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Blood Pressure Monitoring
If someone in your family had Eclampsia, you should get your blood pressure checked throughout your pregnancy to reduce the risk.
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Lifestyle Changes
Change your eating and exercise habits a bit. Under professional medical care, you can induce a balanced diet and light to moderate exercise routine, which can help in effective eclampsia treatment.
Steps for Eclampsia Treatment
For treating Eclampsia, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Blood tests for platelet counts
- Frequent blood pressure monitoring and medications to lower it.
- Inducing labour if the pregnancy is far enough along and Eclampsia risks become high.
If you don’t understand Eclampsia meaning and barely bother about its symptoms, it can have serious effects on your baby’s health. As per studies, preeclampsia can affect your and the baby’s brain vascular function.
Summing Up
Expecting mothers enjoy their magical journey of bringing life to earth and want to keep their steps off any health complications. Eclampsia is a condition that can frighten you, but you should know that it is rare. Even if you experience eclampsia symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, or swelling, regular visits to the doctor, prenatal care, and early diagnosis can help reduce its chances. Meanwhile, you need to be watchful of your diet and exercise routine. If you think so, go to a doctor to better plan your eating and exercise routine or supplements (if needed).
