Eclampsia is a Greek word meaning 'bolt from the blue'. It describes one or more convulsions, or seizures, occurring during or immediately after pregnancy as a complication of pre-eclampsia. very few cases of pre-eclampsia culminate in eclampsia.

The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. Eclampsia may follow pre-eclampsia. It is difficult to predict which pre-eclamptic women may go on to have seizures, the hallmark of eclampsia. There is no correlation between the degree of hypertension present and the ultimate occurrence of seizures.

Although there are currently no known preventive methods, it is important for all pregnant women to obtain early and ongoing prenatal care. This allows for the early recognition and treatment of conditions such as pre-eclampsia. Adequate treatment of pre-eclampsia may prevent eclampsia from presenting itself.

Symptoms of eclampsia to watch out for are:

  • seizures
  • agitation (severe)
  • unconsciousness for a variable period of time
  • possible musculoskeletal aches and pains after an event caused by trauma

Signs and tests of eclampsia are:

  • Involuntary movements occur.
  • The relaxation phase of deep-tendon reflexes may be prolonged.
  • Breathing (respiration) may cease for brief period.
  • Physical evidence of trauma may be noted.
  • Infrequently, an eye examination may note retinal changes caused by hypertension.

Because the risk of eclampsia is unpredictable and often not easily correlated to physical signs such as the degree of hypertension or proteinuria, an anticonvulsant (seizure prevention medication) is usually given to women in labour with hypertension. Magnesium sulphate is a safe drug for both the mother and the foetus when used to prevent seizures.

Delivery may be induced if any of the following occur:

  • diastolic blood pressure of greater than 100 mmHg consistently for a 24-hour period or is greater than 110 mmHg for any confirmed reading
  • persistent and/or severe headache
  • epigastric (stomach region) pain
  • abnormal liver function tests
  • HELLP syndrome
  • pulmonary oedema (fluid in lungs)
  • eclampsia
  • abnormal foetal heart tone
  • failure of foetal growth noted by ultrasound

See your health professional if any symptoms of eclampsia or pre-eclampsia occur during pregnancy. Emergency symptoms include seizures or decreased consciousness.

If you would like more information, or some support please contact Action on Pre-eclampsia. Follow the link at the foot of the page.


APEC web site