Eclampsia is pregnancy-related seizure activity that is usually caused by severe pre-eclampsia (a pregnancy complication).
Eclampsia is a life-threatening condition for both a mother and her fetus. During a seizure, the oxygen supply to the fetus is drastically reduced.
Less than 1% of women with pre-eclampsia experience seizures. Sudden eclampsia can occur before, during, or (rarely) up to 6 weeks after delivery. Seizures that do occur after delivery (postpartum seizures) are most common during the first 48 hours after delivery.
Magnesium sulfate treatment is a highly effective prevention and treatment for eclampsia. It is typically given to high-risk women during labour and for 24 hours after delivery and to women having an eclamptic seizure.
Medical Review:Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Thomas M. Bailey, MD, CCFP - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & William M. Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine