Postpartum Eclampsia and Preeclampsia

Postpartum Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys. It is a condition that can happen after childbirth. This rare condition will cause the woman to have high blood pressure and high levels of protein in her urine. This is a serious condition that can lead to brain damage, stroke, HELLP syndrome and death if not treated. Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had been normal.

Postpartum eclampsia is basically postpartum preeclampsia plus seizures

Postpartum eclampsia can permanently damage vital organs, including your brain, eyes, liver and kidneys. Pulmonary edema. This life-threatening lung condition occurs when excess fluid develops in the lungs. Stroke.

What causes Postpartum eclampsia

Possible risk factors: if you had gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy. Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after you give birth.

How long does Postpartum eclampsia last?

Pregnant woman with preeclampsia develop high levels of urine protein and high blood pressure. Most women who develop postpartum preeclampsia do so within 48 hours of childbirth. However, the condition can develop as long as six weeks after childbirth.

What is eclampsia in childbirth?

Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia. It’s a rare but serious condition where high blood pressure results in seizures during pregnancy. Seizures are periods of disturbed brain activity that can cause episodes of staring, decreased alertness, and convulsions (violent shaking).

Is eclampsia always fatal?

Eclampsia is serious for both mother and baby and can even be fatal. Preeclampsia was formerly known as toxemia of pregnancy. Without treatment, it has been estimated that 1 out of 200 cases of preeclampsia will progress to seizures (eclampsia).

How do I get rid of preeclampsia after birth?

Postpartum preeclampsia may be treated with medication, including:

Medication to lower high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is dangerously high, your health care provider might prescribe a medication to lower your blood pressure (antihypertensive medication).

Medication to prevent seizures.

What are the stages of eclampsia?

Eclamptic seizures may be divided into 2 phases. Phase 1 lasts 15-20 seconds and begins with facial twitching. The body becomes rigid, leading to generalized muscular contractions. Phase 2 lasts about 60 seconds.

How can you prevent eclampsia?