Eclampsia

Eclampsia is a serious condition which can cause seizures due to high blood pressure in pregnancy.

It’s a rare complication of pre-eclampsia, another condition that can happen in pregnancy.

High blood pressure can lead to swelling on the brain, followed by a seizure, either during pregnancy or, rarely, just after the baby is born.

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related complication and the symptoms include a sudden rise in blood pressure and protein in your urine (wee). If pre-eclampsia progresses and gets worse, it can become eclampsia, which can cause seizures or even coma. Your midwife and antenatal team will be looking out for any early signs of pre-eclampsia, which usually develops from 20 weeks of pregnancy. Other symptoms can include ^{Footnote [1]}: 

• problems with your vision, including blurring or flashing lights
• a severe headache
• being sick
• sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
• pain just below your ribs

Many cases of pre-eclampsia are mild, but in some cases serious complications can develop including eclampsia, which is why early diagnosis and monitoring are so important.

Medical professionals don’t fully understand the exact cause of eclampsia, but think it’s caused by the placenta forming abnormally. ^{Footnote [1]} The placenta is an organ that grows during pregnancy and is attached to the wall of the womb. It has a tube called an umbilical cord, which connects to the baby and provides oxygen and nutrients as well as removing waste products.

Some people are more at risk of developing pre-eclampsia than others. This could be you if you have ^{Footnote [1]}: 

• high blood pressure, or had it in a previous pregnancy
• had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• an autoimmune condition or kidney disease

Your medical team will also be keeping an eye on your pregnancy if you:

• are expecting multiple babies
• are over 40
• are overweight
• have a family history of pre-eclampsia
• have had a 10-year+ gap since your last pregnancy

If you have two or more of these you could be at a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia, which may develop into eclampsia.

If your doctor thinks you might have a high risk of developing pre-eclampsia, you may be advised to take a 75-150mg daily dose of aspirin from the twelfth week of pregnancy. This will continue until the baby is born.

If you have pre-eclampsia, your doctor may test you regularly to make sure it hasn’t developed into eclampsia. If you’re having fits, but haven’t got pre-eclampsia, the doctor may request the same tests.

These are:

• Regular blood tests – complete blood counts to check your red blood cell and platelet count, kidney, and liver function.
• A creatinine test – if you’ve got too much in your blood it can indicate pre-eclampsia.
•  A urine test – to check for protein.
• Assessment of the foetus, including an ultrasound, to check the growth and volume of amniotic fluid.

There is no cure for eclampsia and the best treatment is delivery of your baby.

Your doctor will consider how far along your pregnancy is and, if necessary, the measures they can take to keep you both safe until your baby is due.

You will need to be hospitalised for full monitoring, depending on the severity of the disease, and if you’re having seizures you may be given anticonvulsant drugs.

If you’re still at the pre-eclampsia stage your doctor may give you medicine to try to lower your blood pressure and prevent it from turning into eclampsia.

You might also be given steroids to help your baby’s lungs mature if it looks like you might have to deliver the baby early.

You could use your health insurance cover to claim for treatment for eclampsia. The first step is to get a referral from your GP, or through our Digital GP app^.  Then you can make a claim through MyAviva , over the phone, or online.

If we confirm that your claim meets the terms of your policy, we'll pay for the treatment directly. Just be sure to tell us if you need more tests or treatment, or if your hospital or specialist changes. 

It’s good to have one less thing to worry about. It takes Aviva. 

^ This service is non-contractual and can be withdrawn or amended by Aviva at any time.