Eclampsia is a complication of the condition preeclampsia. In this article, we’ll define the term “eclampsia” and explain how it relates to birth injury law. 

Key Takeaways

• Eclampsia is a complication of preeclampsia in which high blood pressure causes seizures during pregnancy
• Symptoms of eclampsia include agitation, loss of consciousness, and seizures
• The exact cause of preeclampsia and eclampsia is unknown
• Risk factors for eclampsia include kidney disease, pregnancy with multiples, diabetes, and more
• Complications of eclampsia include low birth weight and stillbirth
• In order to treat eclampsia, it is most often necessary to deliver the baby early
• Eclampsia is usually preventable by detecting and treating preeclampsia 

What Is Eclampsia?

Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia, a condition in which pregnant people have  high blood pressure and protein in their urine. With eclampsia, high blood pressure results in seizures during pregnancy, or periods of disturbed brain activity that can cause staring, decreased alertness, and convulsions. About 1 in every 200 people with preeclampsia will develop eclampsia, even if they do not have a history of seizures.

Symptoms of Eclampsia

Common symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• Abdominal pain, especially in the right upper abdomen
• Difficulty urinating
• Swelling in the face or hands
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision problems, including episodes of loss of vision or blurry vision
• Elevated blood pressure
• Excessive weight gain

Patients with eclampsia may have any of the above symptoms, but they may also have no preeclampsia symptoms prior to the onset of eclampsia. Symptoms of eclampsia include:

• Agitation
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Causes of Eclampsia

It is not yet known exactly what causes preeclampsia, but it is thought to be related to abnormal formation and function of the placenta. 

Risk Factors for Eclampsia

In addition to preeclampsia, things that may increase a person’s risk of developing eclampsia include:

• Age of 35 years or older
• Age of 20 years or younger
• First-time pregnancy
• Gestational or chronic high blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Pregnancy with twins or triplets
• Diabetes or another condition that affects the blood vessels

Complications of Eclampsia

Eclampsia and preeclampsia affect the placenta, the organ that delivers oxygen and nutrients from the pregnant parent’s blood to the fetus. When high blood pressure reduces blood flow, the placenta may not be able to function properly. This can result in complications for the baby including:

• Low birth weight
• Preterm delivery
• Stillbirth 

Treatments for Eclampsia

The usual recommended treatment for preeclampsia and eclampsia is to deliver the baby. Those with mild preeclampsia may be monitored and treated with medication to prevent eclampsia. With severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, hospitalization and early delivery of the baby may be necessary. 

Eclampsia and Birth Injury Law

Because the response to eclampsia is often to deliver the baby early, it can lead to incomplete development of the baby. This can result in issues such as:

• Compromised immune system
• Brain hemorrhage
• Blood and metabolism problems
• Gastrointestinal vulnerabilities
• Respiratory difficulties

Most cases of eclampsia can be avoided by detecting and treating pre-eclampsia early. If a doctor fails to properly monitor a pregnant person and misses signs of pre-eclampsia such that they develop eclampsia, it is negligent. If this results in birth injury, it may be considered medical malpractice.

If your baby experienced a birth injury because a doctor did not properly handle your pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, you may be entitled to compensation. It is recommended that you speak with a birth injury attorney to review your options for legal action.