What does vision changes in pregnancy feel like with eclampsia?

The change can be sudden or develop with a severe headache. A person may see flashing lights, shimmering areas, spots, double images, or blurred vision, or may struggle to focus. Eclampsia involves seizures associated with pregnancy-related high blood pressure and can happen during pregnancy or after birth. Vision symptoms may occur with headache, upper abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, confusion, or shortness of breath. They need urgent assessment even if they settle.

Treat new vision changes in pregnancy or after birth as an emergency. Call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately; do not drive yourself. Sit or lie somewhere safe while waiting, and have someone stay with you. If a seizure occurs, protect the head, move nearby objects away, turn the person onto their side when possible, and do not put anything in the mouth.

Get emergency help for any vision change with severe headache, seizure, confusion, fainting, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or severe upper abdominal pain. Emergency assessment is also needed for a seizure without these warning symptoms. Do not wait for a routine maternity appointment.

After urgent assessment, ask what caused the vision change, how your blood pressure and other tests were interpreted, and which warning signs require immediate return. Ask how monitoring and treatment will protect you and the baby or newborn.