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What is preeclampsia? -

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, along with additional symptoms.

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Systolic pressure rise -

Preeclampsia may also develop with an increase of at least 30 mm Hg in systolic pressure (systolic pressure being the top number on a blood pressure reading), even if that number doesn't reach 140 mm Hg.

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Diastolic pressure rise -

An increase of at least 15 mm Hg in diastolic pressure (the bottom number) may also suggest preeclampsia, even if the diastolic pressure doesn't reach 90 mm Hg.

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Common signs of preeclampsia -

Swelling in the legs, hands, face, or throughout the body is another sign of preeclampsia. Additionally, elevated protein levels in the urine are also a common sign of the condition.

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When preeclampsia develops -

Preeclampsia usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. Within a few weeks after delivery, symptoms usually disappear, and blood pressure may return to normal.

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Postpartum preeclampsia -

Postpartum preeclampsia is when one develops preeclampsia after giving birth. It typically happens within two days of giving birth, but can also develop several weeks later.

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Early-onset preeclampsia -

When it develops before the 34th week, it's often referred to as early-onset preeclampsia.

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Potential complications -

Among the potential complications of preeclampsia are blood clotting problems and damage to the brain, liver, or kidneys.

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Risks to the baby -

The risks to the baby include premature birth, low birth weight, and placental abruption, which is a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall.

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What is eclampsia? -

Eclampsia is a rare complication of preeclampsia that leads to seizures during pregnancy. In some uncommon cases, it can occur without high blood pressure.

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US numbers and beyond -

A 2022 study suggests that eclampsia occurs in about 1.6 to 10 out of 10,000 pregnancies in the US. However, eclampsia affects far more pregnancies in developing countries, likely due to limited access to prenatal care and adequate healthcare.

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Risks of eclampsia -

Eclampsia shares the same risks to birthing parents and babies as preeclampsia, but eclampsia also brings on seizures and, in many cases, shortness of breath.

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Eclampsia with seizures -

Eclampsia with seizures is a medical emergency for both the pregnant person and their fetus, requiring immediate medical care.

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How does preeclampsia become eclampsia? -

Researchers don't fully understand why some people with preeclampsia go on to develop eclampsia.

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What causes preeclampsia? -

While the exact cause of these condition isn't always clear, there are several factors that can raise your risk of preeclampsia.

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Possible cause -

A 2019 study suggests that having elevated blood pressure in your first trimester may raise your risk of preeclampsia or other gestational hypertension issues later in pregnancy.

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Risk factors for preeclampsia -

Other risk factors for preeclampsia include autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular conditions, family history with preeclampsia, being older than 35, carrying twins or more, etc.

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Genes -

You may also inherit genes that predispose you to developing preeclampsia.

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Preeclampsia throughout pregnancies -

Preeclampsia is more common in a first pregnancy. Unfortunately, if you experienced preeclampsia with your first pregnancy, you have an increased risk of developing it in subsequent pregnancies.

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How are preeclampsia and eclampsia diagnosed? -

A blood pressure check is the initial screening for preeclampsia and eclampsia. However, high blood pressure alone doesn't confirm either condition, as other pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, like gestational hypertension, can also cause elevated blood pressure.

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Other tests -

Additional tests include urine tests to check protein levels and blood tests to assess liver and kidney function. These tests can also help rule out kidney disease or other conditions that might be causing preeclampsia symptoms.

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What's the treatment for postpartum preeclampsia? -

Postpartum preeclampsia may require an extended stay in the hospital after delivery, or readmission if symptoms develop after discharge.

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Diagnosing postpartum preeclampsia -

If postpartum preeclampsia is suspected, you'll have blood tests done to check your liver and kidney function, plus a urine test to measure the amount of protein in your urine.

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Treatment for postpartum preeclampsia -

If treatment is required, it typically includes blood pressure medications and magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and the development of eclampsia.

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Bed rest -

Bed rest is also recommended until blood pressure normalizes and any other complications are managed or prevented.

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What's the outlook for people with preeclampsia vs. people with eclampsia? -

With early and comprehensive treatment, along with close monitoring of both the birthing parent and fetus, the prognosis for individuals with preeclampsia is generally positive.

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Recovery -

Most cases of preeclampsia end with a healthy delivery and symptoms resolving within six weeks of delivery.

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Risks of eclampsia -

Eclampsia is a more serious condition and has about a 2% mortality rate. People who survive eclampsia have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

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Prevention -

To help prevent preeclampsia, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, attend prenatal checkups, manage existing health conditions like hypertension, and follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Sources: (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) 

See also: Infections during pregnancy that can put your baby at risk

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