Eclampsia

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Preeclampsia

Toxemia with seizures

If you have preeclampsia your health care provider should carefully monitor you for signs of worsening and potential eclampsia. Delivery is the treatment of choice for severe preeclampsia in an attempt to prevent eclampsia. Delivering the baby relieves the condition. Prolonging the pregnancy can be dangerous to both you and your infant.

With careful monitoring, the goal is to manage severe cases until 32 - 34 weeks into the pregnancy, and mild cases until 36 - 37 weeks have passed. This helps reduce complications from premature delivery.

You may be given medicine to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant). Magnesium sulfate is a safe drug for both you and your baby. Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower high blood pressure, but you may have to deliver if your blood pressure stays high, even with medication.

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Women in the United States rarely die from eclampsia. 

There is a higher risk for separation of the placenta (placenta abruptio) with preeclampsia or eclampsia. There may be complications for the baby due to premature delivery.

A blood clotting abnormality called DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) may occur.

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have any symptoms of eclampsia or preeclampsia. Emergency symptoms include seizures or decreased consciousness.

Review Date: 02/21/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).