Pregnancy: Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

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• What Is Preeclampsia?
• What Is Eclampsia?
• What Causes Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?
• Who Is at Risk for Preeclampsia?
• How Can I Tell if I Have Preeclampsia?
• Does Swelling During Pregnancy Mean I Have Preeclampsia?
• How Can Preeclampsia Affect My Baby?
• How Is Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Treated?

What Is Preeclampsia?

Also referred to as toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women can get. It is marked by high blood pressure accompanied with a high level of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia will often also have swelling in the feet, legs and hands. Preeclampsia, when present, usually appears during the second half of pregnancy, generally in the latter part of the second or in the third trimesters, although it can occur earlier.

What Is Eclampsia?

Eclampsia is the final and most severe phase of preeclampsia and occurs when preeclampsia is left untreated. In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, women with eclampsia often have seizures. Eclampsia can cause coma and even death of the mother and baby and can occur before, during or after childbirth.

What Causes Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?

The exact causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia are not known, although some researchers suspect poor nutrition, high body fat or insufficient blood flow to the uterus as possible causes.

Who Is at Risk for Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is most often seen in first-time pregnancies and in pregnant teens and women over 40. Other risk factors include:

• A history of chronic high blood pressure prior to pregnancy.
• Previous history of preeclampsia
• A history of preeclampsia in mother or sisters.
• Obesity prior to pregnancy.
• Carrying more than one baby.
• History of diabetes, kidney disease, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

How Can I Tell if I Have Preeclampsia?

In addition to swelling, protein in the urine, and high blood pressure, symptoms of preeclampsia can include:

• Rapid weight gain caused by a significant increase in bodily fluid
• Abdominal pain
• Severe headaches
• A change in reflexes
• Reduced output of urine or no urine
• Blood in the urine
• dizziness
• Excessive vomiting and nausea

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