Impending Eclampsia Symptoms: What to Know

Eclampsia is a pregnancy or postpartum emergency involving seizures in someone with a pregnancy-related blood-pressure disorder. Warning symptoms may reflect severe high blood pressure or irritation affecting the brain and other organs. A headache may be intense, persistent, or unlike your usual headaches. Vision symptoms can include blurred vision, flashing lights, spots, or temporary loss of vision. Pain beneath the ribs or in the upper right abdomen, marked nausea or vomiting, sudden swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, or unusual confusion can also be concerning.

Some people have no warning symptoms before a seizure, and symptoms can happen after delivery as well as during pregnancy. Feeling generally unwell should not be dismissed when it occurs with high blood pressure, a severe headache, or visual changes.

Stop driving and contact your maternity unit, obstetrician, or local emergency service immediately if any warning symptom is present. Tell them you are pregnant or recently gave birth and describe the symptom, when it began, and whether you have known high blood pressure. If possible, have another adult stay with you. Do not wait for a routine appointment or rely on a home blood-pressure reading to decide that urgent assessment is unnecessary.

Clinicians may check your blood pressure, urine, blood tests, reflexes, and the baby’s wellbeing. Treatment can involve medicines to lower blood pressure and prevent seizures, with decisions about delivery based on your condition and the stage of pregnancy. If delivery by caesarean section is discussed, you can read more about [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/).

Call emergency services now for a seizure, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe confusion, sudden weakness, or loss of consciousness. Keep the person safe on their side, move nearby objects away, and do not put anything in their mouth or try to restrain them. Note when the seizure starts and ends. Emergency assessment is also needed for a severe or persistent headache, new visual disturbance, upper abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or rapidly worsening swelling, even if no seizure has occurred.

Ask which blood-pressure readings or symptoms should prompt an immediate call, whether you need monitoring for pre-eclampsia, and which medicines are safe for you. Ask what warning signs can occur after birth, who to contact outside clinic hours, and what plan is in place if symptoms return.