What should you know about eclampsia in a pregnant woman?

The term describes seizures associated with pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorders, including pre-eclampsia. It may arise before labour, during labour, or after birth. The brain, liver, kidneys, blood vessels, placenta, and baby may need assessment. A clinician will combine examination findings with blood-pressure checks, urine testing, blood tests, and fetal monitoring rather than relying on one symptom.

Headache that does not settle, altered vision, pain below the ribs, marked swelling, breathlessness, nausea, or unusual confusion can be warning signs of a hypertensive pregnancy disorder. They should be reported promptly, especially if they are new or worsening.

For a seizure, call emergency services, note when it starts, and keep the woman away from stairs, furniture edges, and hot surfaces. Turn her onto her side when it is safe and check breathing after the movements stop. Do not give tablets, water, or food until she is fully alert, and do not hold her down. In hospital, treatment can include medication to control seizures, blood-pressure management, oxygen or other support, and planning for birth.

Emergency help is needed for any seizure, collapse, severe headache with visual disturbance, confusion, breathing difficulty, or intense upper-abdominal pain during pregnancy or after delivery. If symptoms are present but no seizure has occurred, contact the maternity team urgently for instructions; do not wait for the next routine appointment.

Discuss your personal warning signs, how often your blood pressure should be checked, and where to go outside clinic hours. Ask about medication side effects, baby monitoring, recovery after birth, and how the team would balance stabilising you with timing the delivery.