Diagnosis and Tests for Eclampsia

Eclampsia is diagnosed by the seizure in a woman with pregnancy-related high blood pressure, but the key to prevention is finding pre-eclampsia early through simple tests at every antenatal visit.

Blood pressure

• Blood pressure is checked at every visit.
• Pre-eclampsia is suspected when blood pressure is 140/90 or higher on two readings at least 4 hours apart, after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Very high readings (160/110 or more) are treated urgently.

Urine test

A dipstick checks for protein in the urine. A more exact test measures how much protein is lost in a day or its ratio to creatinine.

Blood tests

• Platelet count (low in HELLP syndrome).
• Liver enzymes (raised when the liver is stressed).
• Kidney tests such as creatinine.
• Tests for red blood cell breakdown.

Checks on the baby

• Ultrasound to check growth and amniotic fluid.
• Fetal heart monitoring, and Doppler scans of blood flow where needed.
• Counting kicks, as advised by the doctor.

Other tests

If a woman has a seizure, doctors also exclude other causes, such as epilepsy, low blood sugar, infection or stroke, and may do a brain scan if the picture is unusual.

What you can do at home

Go to every antenatal visit. If your doctor advises it, check blood pressure at home with a validated machine and keep a written record. Report warning signs the same day.

These tests are simple and available in most clinics. Diagnosis is made by trained clinicians. Ayurvedic pulse or other methods cannot replace blood pressure and urine testing.