What should you know about risk factors of eclampsia?

Concern is higher with pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure in the current pregnancy, a previous pregnancy affected by pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, kidney disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or a pregnancy with more than one baby. First pregnancy, age-related factors and a family history may also influence clinical assessment. These factors do not predict exactly who will develop eclampsia; some people have no recognised risk factor. The condition reflects disturbed blood-vessel and placental function and can affect the brain, liver, kidneys and placenta.

Attend antenatal visits so blood pressure and urine can be checked, and report new symptoms even if a recent reading was normal. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not start aspirin, supplements or blood-pressure treatment without maternity advice. Keep a record of severe headaches, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling or reduced fetal movement. Your care team may discuss monitoring, hospital assessment, medicines to prevent seizures and timing of birth; a caesarean section is one possible birth method, not an automatic treatment for every case.

Call emergency services immediately for a seizure, loss of consciousness, severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or blurred vision, severe pain beneath the ribs, sudden breathlessness, confusion or heavy bleeding. Protect the person from injury, place them on their side if possible, and do not put anything in their mouth. After a seizure, urgent hospital assessment is needed for both parent and baby.

Ask how often your blood pressure and urine should be checked, which symptoms require hospital attendance, and how your risk factors affect monitoring and birth planning.