Eclampsia: Warning Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and When to Seek Emergency Care — What You Need to Know
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer: What Is Eclampsia and When Is It an Emergency?
Call emergency services or go to the emergency room right away if a new seizure occurs during pregnancy. Eclampsia is seizures (convulsions) that occur in a pregnant person who has preeclampsia, a disorder marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, affects fewer than 3% of people with preeclampsia, and requires emergency medical care. With prompt treatment, most people recover; the only cure for both conditions is delivery of the baby.
TL;DR
Eclampsia is a rare but serious complication of preeclampsia in which a person with preeclampsia develops seizures during pregnancy. Seizures are episodes of shaking, confusion and disorientation caused by abnormal brain activity, and they can put a pregnant person in a coma or, in some cases, lead to stroke or death.
The condition typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and affects fewer than 3% of people with preeclampsia. High blood pressure puts pressure on blood vessels, and swelling in the brain may lead to seizures. The best treatment is delivery of the baby. If the fetus is 37 weeks or more, inducing labor is usually the best choice, alongside anticonvulsant medication or magnesium sulfate infusion, blood pressure medication and corticosteroids.
Most people recover after delivery. This is a rare condition; the only prevalence figure in this article (fewer than 3% of people with preeclampsia) comes directly from the source, and no other invented statistics are used.
Key fact | What the evidence shows |
Definition | Seizures (convulsions) during pregnancy in a person with preeclampsia |
Timing | Typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy |
How common | Rare: affects less than 3% of people with preeclampsia |
Underlying condition | Preeclampsia: high blood pressure + protein in urine |
Care level | Requires emergency medical care |
Only cure | Delivery of the baby |
What Is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is a rare but serious complication of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy in which a person who is pregnant has high blood pressure and protein in their urine. Eclampsia is when a person with preeclampsia develops seizures (convulsions) during pregnancy [1].
Seizures are episodes of shaking, confusion and disorientation caused by abnormal brain activity [1].
Eclampsia typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is rare and affects less than 3% of people with preeclampsia. Eclampsia can cause complications during pregnancy and requires emergency medical care [1].
What Is the Difference Between Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that causes seizures. It is considered a complication of preeclampsia, but it can happen without signs of preeclampsia. These seizures can cause confusion and disorientation or put the pregnant person in a coma. In some cases, it can lead to stroke or death [1].
In most cases, preeclampsia is managed before it progresses to eclampsia. An obstetrician will monitor the pregnancy closely and may prescribe medications. With both conditions, the only cure is to deliver the baby [1].
What Are the Warning Signs of Eclampsia?
Most people experience warning signs before having a seizure caused by eclampsia. These include [1]:
Warning sign | Note |
Severe headaches | Common early warning |
Difficulty breathing | Can precede a seizure |
Nausea or vomiting | Digestive warning symptom |
Trouble urinating or not urinating often | Kidney-related warning |
Abdominal pain | Especially on the upper right side |
Blurred vision, seeing double or loss of vision | Visual warning signs |
Swelling of the hands, face or ankles | Visible fluid retention |
What Are the Symptoms of Eclampsia?
The most common symptoms of eclampsia are seizures, severe distress or confusion, and losing consciousness [1].
Symptom | Detail |
Seizures | Episodes of shaking, confusion and disorientation from abnormal brain activity |
Severe distress or confusion | A hallmark of the seizure episode |
Losing consciousness | May progress to coma in some cases |
What Causes Eclampsia?
Eclampsia typically develops from preeclampsia. High blood pressure (from preeclampsia) puts pressure on blood vessels. There can be swelling in the brain, which may lead to seizures [1].
Genetics and diet can also increase the risk for eclampsia [1].
What Are the Risk Factors?
The biggest risk factor for eclampsia is preeclampsia. Most people with preeclampsia do not develop eclampsia. Additional factors that raise risk include [1]:
Risk factor | Detail |
Preeclampsia | The single biggest risk factor |
Pregnancy with multiples | Twins, triplets or more |
Autoimmune condition | Immune-system-related disorders |
Poor diet or obesity | A BMI greater than 30 |
Diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease | Chronic health conditions |
Age | Younger than 17 or older than 35 |
First pregnancy | Higher risk in a first pregnancy |
Family or personal history | Of preeclampsia or eclampsia |
However, it is possible to have no risk factors at all [1].
How Is Eclampsia Diagnosed?
An obstetrician diagnoses eclampsia based on the presence of a seizure. They will perform an exam, blood work and regular blood pressure monitoring. They also order urine tests to look for increased protein in the urine [1].
Diagnostic test | What it checks |
Exam and blood pressure monitoring | Regular monitoring of blood pressure |
Blood tests | May show abnormal factors like red blood cell count or platelet count |
Urine tests | Typically show large amounts of protein in the urine |
Creatinine tests | Creatinine is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys; abnormally high levels could signal kidney failure |
Ultrasound (fetal monitoring) | Checks the fetus's heart rate, movement, size and other factors to ensure it is tolerating pregnancy well |
How Is Eclampsia Treated?
The best treatment for eclampsia is giving birth. If the fetus is 37 weeks gestation or more, inducing labor is usually the best choice. A vaginal delivery may still be possible if the person and the fetus are stable [1].
What Medications Are Used?
A healthcare provider may prescribe medications for eclampsia during pregnancy [1]:
Medication | Purpose |
Anticonvulsant medication or magnesium sulfate infusion | Prevent seizures |
Blood pressure medication | Lower blood pressure |
Corticosteroids | Help develop and strengthen the fetus's lungs |
What Are the Complications?
People with eclampsia are at higher risk for placental abruption, preterm labor, blood clotting issues, stroke, stillbirth and death [1].
How Does Eclampsia Affect the Baby?
Eclampsia should not cause any long-term health problems, but it can affect the fetus. Preeclampsia or eclampsia can affect the placenta and how it functions. The placenta delivers oxygen, blood and nutrients to the fetus [1].
Potential side effects for the baby include placental abruption, stillbirth, an increased risk of C-section, early labor or premature birth, and low birth weight [1].
Effect on the baby | Description |
Placental abruption | The placenta separates from the uterine wall |
Stillbirth | Pregnancy loss before delivery |
Increased risk of C-section | Higher likelihood of surgical delivery |
Early labor or premature birth | Birth before full term |
Low birth weight | Baby born smaller than expected |
Can You Recover From Eclampsia?
Yes, most people recover from eclampsia after delivery. It does not always lead to death. With prompt treatment, most people will recover [1].
Steps that can help recovery include [1]:
Recovery step | Detail |
Eat a healthy diet | Nutritious food supports recovery |
Stay as active as possible | Gentle activity as tolerated |
Get plenty of rest | Rest is important after delivery |
Attend all prenatal appointments | Continued monitoring matters |
Keep stress levels low | Stress management supports recovery |
Take all medications as directed | Follow the provider's plan |
Watch blood pressure closely | For at least two weeks after birth |
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Eclampsia?
Getting treatment for preeclampsia can reduce the risk of developing eclampsia. Getting prompt medical care, attending all prenatal appointments and following a healthy lifestyle can also help [1].
Certain conditions, some beyond your control, can put you at higher risk for preeclampsia and eclampsia. Starting low-dose aspirin in the first trimester might decrease the risk of getting preeclampsia if you are at increased risk [1].
When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
EMERGENCY GUIDANCE: Go to the emergency room if you have a new seizure during pregnancy. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.
Other symptoms that require medical attention during pregnancy are severe headaches, vaginal bleeding, vision loss or seeing double, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and feeling the fetus move less or not at all [1].
Why Prompt Recognition and Treatment Saves Lives
Eclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy precisely because its defining event, a seizure, is sudden and its consequences can be severe, ranging from confusion to coma, and in some cases stroke or death. Yet the source is clear on two reassuring points. First, eclampsia is rare, affecting fewer than 3% of people with preeclampsia, and in most cases preeclampsia is managed before it ever progresses this far. Second, with prompt treatment (anticonvulsants or magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, blood pressure medication, corticosteroids for the baby's lungs, and delivery as the definitive cure), most people recover. The practical takeaway is vigilance: know the warning signs (severe headaches, upper-right abdominal pain, vision changes, swelling, nausea, breathing difficulty), keep every prenatal appointment so blood pressure, blood and urine are checked, and treat any seizure or alarming symptom as an emergency.
Eclampsia is rare but can be quite serious during pregnancy. Getting prompt medical treatment for preeclampsia may prevent you from getting eclampsia. Attending your prenatal appointments for regular blood pressure checks and blood and urine tests can help detect symptoms that lead to eclampsia. Let your obstetrician know if you experience signs of eclampsia like disorientation, headaches, blurred vision or convulsions. Clinical note from the source's care team
Take the next step. If you are pregnant and develop a new seizure, go to the emergency room immediately. This is a medical emergency. If you have preeclampsia, attend every prenatal appointment, watch for warning signs such as severe headaches, blurred vision, upper-right abdominal pain, vomiting, vaginal bleeding or reduced fetal movement, and follow your obstetrician's medication plan, including any low-dose aspirin recommendation. Never ignore sudden visual changes or breathing difficulty. This article is educational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your individual condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eclampsia
What is eclampsia?
Seizures (convulsions) that occur during pregnancy in a person who has preeclampsia.
What is preeclampsia?
A disorder of pregnancy in which a pregnant person has high blood pressure and protein in their urine.
What is the difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia?
Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that causes seizures. It can also happen without prior signs of preeclampsia.
How common is eclampsia?
It is rare, affecting fewer than 3% of people with preeclampsia.
When does eclampsia occur?
Typically after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Is eclampsia a medical emergency?
Yes. It requires emergency medical care. Go to the emergency room if a new seizure occurs during pregnancy.
What is a seizure?
An episode of shaking, confusion and disorientation caused by abnormal brain activity.
What do seizures look like in eclampsia?
Seizures, severe distress or confusion, and losing consciousness are the most common symptoms.
Can eclampsia be fatal?
It can lead to stroke or death in some cases, but it does not always lead to death. With prompt treatment, most people recover.
Can eclampsia happen without warning signs?
Most people experience warning signs before a seizure, but eclampsia can also happen without signs of preeclampsia.
What are the warning signs?
Severe headaches, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, trouble urinating, abdominal pain (especially upper right), blurred vision, seeing double, loss of vision, and swelling of the hands, face or ankles.
What causes eclampsia?
It typically develops from preeclampsia. High blood pressure puts pressure on blood vessels, and swelling in the brain may lead to seizures.
Do genetics or diet matter?
Yes. Genetics and diet can increase the risk for eclampsia.
Who is at highest risk?
People with preeclampsia have the biggest risk. Additional factors: pregnancy with multiples, an autoimmune condition, poor diet or obesity (BMI over 30), diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease, being younger than 17 or older than 35, a first pregnancy, or a family or personal history of preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Can you have eclampsia with no risk factors?
Yes. You may not have any risk factors.
Do most people with preeclampsia get eclampsia?
No. Most people with preeclampsia do not develop eclampsia.
How is eclampsia diagnosed?
Based on the presence of a seizure, plus an exam, blood work, regular blood pressure monitoring and urine tests for increased protein.
What do blood tests show?
They may show abnormal factors like red blood cell count or platelet count.
What does a creatinine test check?
Creatinine is a waste product filtered out of the blood by the kidneys; abnormally high levels could signal kidney failure.
What does ultrasound check?
The fetus's heart rate, movement, size and other factors to ensure it is tolerating pregnancy well.
What is the best treatment for eclampsia?
Giving birth. The only cure for both conditions is to deliver the baby.
When is labor induced?
If the fetus is 37 weeks gestation or more, inducing labor is usually the best choice.
Is vaginal delivery possible?
Yes. You may still have a vaginal delivery if you and the fetus are stable.
What medications are used during pregnancy?
Anticonvulsant medication or magnesium sulfate infusion to prevent seizures, blood pressure medication to lower blood pressure, and corticosteroids to help develop and strengthen the fetus's lungs.
What complications are people with eclampsia at higher risk for?
Placental abruption, preterm labor, blood clotting issues, stroke, stillbirth and death.
Does eclampsia cause long-term health problems for the baby?
It should not cause long-term health problems, but it can affect the fetus. Potential side effects include placental abruption, stillbirth, increased C-section risk, premature birth and low birth weight.
Can you recover from eclampsia?
Yes. Most people recover after delivery.
How can recovery be supported?
A healthy diet, staying as active as possible, plenty of rest, attending all prenatal appointments, keeping stress low, taking all medications as directed, and watching blood pressure closely for at least two weeks after birth.
Can eclampsia risk be reduced?
Yes. Treat preeclampsia promptly, get prompt medical care, attend all prenatal appointments, follow a healthy lifestyle, and start low-dose aspirin in the first trimester if you are at increased risk of preeclampsia.
When should I seek medical attention during pregnancy?
Go to the emergency room for a new seizure. Also seek care for severe headaches, vaginal bleeding, vision loss or double vision, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or feeling the fetus move less or not at all.
What questions should I ask my obstetrician?
How closely my blood pressure and urine protein are being monitored, whether low-dose aspirin is right for me, what warning signs should send me to the emergency room, whether induction will be recommended, and how my blood pressure should be watched after delivery.
References
Last reviewed against the source page last updated October 25, 2022. This article contains no information beyond the cited source.
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