How effective is caesarean section for eclampsia?

Eclampsia is a seizure associated with a pregnancy blood-pressure disorder and is a medical emergency. The team first protects breathing, controls seizures and manages blood pressure while assessing the mother and baby. Delivery is then planned because ending the pregnancy is central to resolving the pregnancy-related condition, although close monitoring remains necessary after birth.

A caesarean may be chosen when the baby needs prompt delivery, labour has not started, or vaginal birth would not be safe or sufficiently quick. The route and timing depend on gestation, the mother's condition, fetal wellbeing, the cervix and response to stabilisation.

If eclampsia is suspected, do not wait for a routine appointment. Hospital staff will explain the immediate medicines, monitoring and birth plan as circumstances allow. After birth, continue prescribed blood-pressure and seizure-prevention treatment and attend follow-up checks.

For general information about the operation, see the Caesarean Section page.

Call emergency services for a seizure during pregnancy or after birth, severe headache, visual disturbance, confusion, severe upper abdominal pain, breathlessness or sudden swelling with feeling very unwell. Place the person on their side, protect them from nearby objects and do not put anything in their mouth while help is coming.

When the situation is stable, ask what caused the seizure, how your blood pressure and laboratory results are changing, why caesarean or another birth route is advised, and how long monitoring and medicines will continue after delivery.