Treatment
If you have eclampsia your health care provider should carefully monitor you. Delivery is the treatment of choice for severe eclampsia. Delivering the baby relieves the condition. Prolonging the pregnancy can be dangerous to both you and your infant.
With careful monitoring, the goal is to manage severe cases until 32 – 34 weeks into the pregnancy, and mild cases until 36 – 37 weeks have passed. This helps reduce complications from premature delivery.
You may be given medicine to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant). Magnesium sulfate is a safe drug for both you and your baby. Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower high blood pressure, but you may have to deliver if your blood pressure stays high, even with medication.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Women in the United States rarely die from eclampsia.
Complications
There is a higher risk for separation of the placenta (placenta abruptio) with preeclampsia or eclampsia. There may be complications for the baby due to premature delivery.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have any symptoms of eclampsia or preeclampsia. Emergency symptoms include seizures or decreased consciousness.
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Eclampsia : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Eclampsia : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Eclampsia : Treatment
Review Date : 9/2/2009
Reviewed By : Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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