9 Things You Must Know About Eclampsia By Krista Kamp

There are various types of health conditions that can affect people’s reproductive system in negative ways. An example of one of these health conditions is Eclampsia; which is a condition that involves seizures in women with severe cases of preeclampsia. There are various things to know about this condition including; causes, risks, preventions, and treatments.

9 things you must know about Eclampsia:

1. Eclampsia is a condition that can evolve from preeclampsia. Preeclampsia usually develops during pregnancies during the first trimester. It is also most common in first time pregnancies in women in their teens or 40’s.

2. There are many factors that can lead to an increase risk of developing Preeclampsia and Eclampsia in women.  Some examples of this include:

• High blood pressure
• Multiple gestation
• Sickle cell disease
• Diseases including; diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
• Genetics
• Obesity
• History of having Eclampsia/Preeclampsia

3. The causes of Eclampsia are not well known, but doctors think it is a disorder that has to do with the lining of our blood vessels and an abnormality of the placenta. It is also said that it includes influences from genetic and environmental factors.

4. There are also various signs and symptoms you should be aware of when discovering Eclampsia. Women who have mild preeclampsia usually do not have any symptoms except for high blood pressure, but when conditions are more severe, these symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, and severe headaches. The symptoms of Eclampsia include all of the signs of preeclampsia and seizures.  An early sign of these seizures includes a headache which is a neurologic symptom.

5. Eclampsia can be diagnosed by various tools including a regular pregnancy health screening, a urinalysis; which measures the protein in the urine. Doctors can also take blood pressure measurements and other blood tests.

6. Preeclampsia can affect babies after birth too. It keeps the placenta from receiving blood, which can cause babies to be born prematurely. The babies can have various complications including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and different learning disabilities. The signs and symptoms for the mother should go away between 1 and 6 weeks after they have given birth.

7. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent Eclampsia from occurring, but mild Eclampsia has good pregnancy outcomes and delivers healthy babies. Although a serious condition of Eclampsia can has a higher mortality rate.

8. Preeclampsia is the most common medical condition in pregnant women and it can evolve into serious health risks for the mother and baby. There are also various deaths due to this disorder including the mother and child. It is important to know how serious this condition is and that the symptoms can be hidden and can evolve fast.

9. Lastly, the only treatment to get rid of Eclampsia is the delivery of the baby. There is currently no known cure for Eclampsia while the baby is still in the uterus.

Overall, this condition is very serious and can affect women all over the world. It can be very silent and can be hard to detect, so if you suspect you might have this condition it is important that you seek help from your doctor. There are various complications that can occur during pregnancies, but this is the most common condition that occurs.

 Work Cited

“Pregnancy: Preeclampsia and Eclampsia.” Medicine Net. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. <http://www.medicinenet.com/pregnancy_preeclampsia_and_eclampsia/article.htm>.

 “Preeclampsia and Eclampsia.” Web MD. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2012. <http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/preeclampsia-eclampsia?page=2>.