Eclampsia and preeclampsia are the condition developed by pregnant women which is marked by increase in blood pressure and increased protein level in the urine. It occurs during or after the 34th week of gestation period and sometimes it can occur even after childbirth. If there is severe form of preeclampsia it can cause grand mal seizures in pregnant women which can become serious. Due to this condition the growing fetus may develop some complications and in some cases it can lead to preterm delivery also.
Medications are given to the pregnant women to prevent high blood pressure and the case is monitored closely until the time of delivery. There is no cure for eclampsia but the pregnant women can monitor her health with her physician to prevent its occurrence. Women who are first time pregnant and particularly those who are in teenage are at increased risk of developing eclampsia.
Causes :
Exact cause of eclampsia or preeclampsia is unknown. It is considered to be caused by poor nutrition or kind of disorder or abnormality in the blood vessels causing insufficient blood supply to the uterus. Some people are of opinion that eclampsia is hereditary and run in families. Obesity and lack of exercise during pregnancy can also be a cause of eclampsia. Similarly weakened immune system can cause the symptoms of preeclampsia.
Who Are At Risk ?
Women who are in their teens and those who are above 40 years becoming pregnant are at high risk for developing eclampsia. Women with family history of eclampsia and those with the symptoms of eclampsia during previous pregnancy can also develop this condition. Women with hypertension prior to pregnancy and those who have undergone artificial pregnancy through insemination or egg donation are at increased risk. Women with specific diseases like arthritis, diabetes or lupus or sickle cell disease before pregnancy have more chance for developing eclampsia than others.