Definition: It is the severe form of pregnancy induced hypertension. In this condition patient starts getting fits due to uncontrolled high blood pressure, generally > 160/110 mm.

Cause

This is a condition peculiar to pregnancy and improves spontaneously after pregnancy. It occurs more commonly in first pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, and grand multiparas and in women with hypertension.

Symptoms

The fits are generalized tonic and clonic convulsions which means fits involving whole body. There is frothing of mouth, up rolling of eye balls, tongue bites, urinary incontinence etc. along with the fits.
Warning signs of eclampsia are:

• Very high blood pressure.
• Headache
• Black spots in front of eyes
• Generalized swelling of the body
• Epigastric pain
• Decreased urinary output

Treatment

Eclampsia is a serious emergency and should be treated immediately. Patient should be immediately rushed to the hospital. These fits are often recurrent. In hospital, patient is made to lie in a quiet room, breathing and circulation are ensured and anti convulsant treatment is given.