Complications and Risks of Eclampsia

Eclampsia can cause serious harm to the mother and baby. Most of these are preventable with early care.

For the mother

• Stroke or brain bleeding. A leading cause of death in eclampsia, linked to very high blood pressure.
• HELLP syndrome. Breakdown of red cells, raised liver enzymes and low platelets, which can cause bleeding.
• Kidney failure and liver damage, including liver bleeding.
• Fluid on the lungs causing breathlessness.
• Placental abruption, where the placenta separates early, causing heavy bleeding.
• Bleeding after delivery.
• Injury during a seizure, and aspiration of vomit.
• Death. Eclampsia remains a major cause of maternal death where care is delayed.
• Long-term risk. Women who have had pre-eclampsia have a higher chance of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke later in life, so follow-up matters.

For the baby

• Poor growth, because the placenta is not working well.
• Premature birth, often needed to protect the mother.
• Stillbirth or death soon after birth.
• Problems from being born early, such as breathing difficulty.

What lowers the risk

• Regular antenatal checks and prompt response to warning signs.
• Medicines such as magnesium sulfate, given early.
• Delivery at the right time in a well-equipped hospital.
• Follow-up in the weeks and years after.

Home or herbal care cannot manage these complications and should not delay hospital treatment. Call 112 or 102 for any seizure or severe warning signs.