Preeclampsia & Eclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, & Tips To Support A Healthy Pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication affecting 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide (1). It is characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, and if left untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening condition that causes seizures (1). 

There is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, and it can develop even in low-risk pregnancies. This article explores the potential causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and holistic approaches to pregnancy health that may help support maintained maternal and fetal wellbeing. 

Understanding Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, and HELLP Syndrome 

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ dysfunction (1). Preeclampsia typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often in the third trimester. It is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has (2): 

• High blood pressure 
• Protein in the urine (proteinuria), signaling kidney stress 
• Signs of organ dysfunction, particularly affecting the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system 

If preeclampsia progresses, it can cause eclampsia, which involves seizures, loss of consciousness, and neurological complications. Eclampsia is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention (1). 

A severe variation of preeclampsia, known as HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count), can also develop, often without the classic signs of preeclampsia, like high blood pressure or proteinuria (1). HELLP is a critical condition that affects the liver and blood clotting system, leading to symptoms such as: 

• Severe upper right abdominal pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) 
• Unusual bleeding or bruising due to low platelet levels 

Early detection of preeclampsia through prenatal monitoring is essential for managing risks and preventing severe complications. 

Symptoms of Preeclampsia 

During pregnancy, your healthcare provider will monitor for potential signs of preeclampsia. Symptoms they might be checking for may include (1): 

• High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) 
• Severe swelling (edema) in the hands, face, and legs 
• Persistent headaches that don’t go away 
• Blurred vision, light sensitivity, or seeing spots 
• Pain in the upper right abdomen (a sign of liver involvement) 
• Shortness of breath (due to fluid buildup in the lungs) 
• Sudden weight gain (from excessive fluid retention) 

Some women experience “silent preeclampsia” with no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular prenatal checkups are essential for early detection and intervention. 

Symptoms of Eclampsia 

Eclampsia is a severe progression of preeclampsia that can cause the following symptoms (3): 

• Seizures (generalized convulsions) 
• Severe, persistent headaches 
• Vision disturbances (temporary blindness, flashing lights, or blurred vision) 
• Severe swelling (especially in the hands, face, and lungs) 
• Difficulty breathing or gasping for air 
• Confusion, agitation, or loss of consciousness 

Eclampsia can occur before, during, or after childbirth (postpartum eclampsia) and requires emergency medical treatment, so please never ignore the above symptoms. Note that although preeclampsia often precedes eclampsia, eclampsia can also occur without any prior preeclampsia symptoms.  

How Are Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Treated? 

There is no cure for preeclampsia except delivery of the baby and placenta. However, potential management strategies depend on several factors, including: 

• How far along the pregnancy is 
• The severity of the condition 
• The presence of complications 

In mild cases caught early, doctors may try to prolong the pregnancy while monitoring the mother and baby closely. However, severe cases require immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening complications. 

Below is a breakdown of how preeclampsia and eclampsia might be treated at different stages of pregnancy and levels of severity (4): 

Potential Treatment for Mild Preeclampsia (Before 37 Weeks) 

If preeclampsia is mild and diagnosed before 37 weeks, doctors may attempt careful monitoring to delay delivery and support continued fetal growth. 

1. Frequent Monitoring 

Expectant mothers may be advised to rest at home with close medical supervision or be admitted to the hospital for continuous monitoring. This may include: 

• Blood pressure checks (daily or multiple times per week) 
• Urine tests (to monitor protein levels) 
• Blood tests (to assess liver and kidney function) 
• Ultrasounds & fetal heart monitoring (to track baby’s wellbeing) 

2. Blood Pressure Management 

• If blood pressure is only slightly elevated, lifestyle adjustments and close monitoring may be recommended. 
• If blood pressure becomes dangerously high, medications such as labetalol, nifedipine, or hydralazine may be prescribed. 

3. Corticosteroids for Fetal Lung Development 

If doctors anticipate preterm delivery (before 34-37 weeks), they may administer corticosteroids to help speed up the baby’s lung development. 

4. Magnesium Sulfate for Seizure Prevention 

In some cases, IV magnesium sulfate is given to reduce the risk of eclampsia (seizures). 

Potential Treatment for Severe Preeclampsia (After 37 Weeks or If Condition Worsens) 

If preeclampsia is severe, delivery is usually recommended regardless of gestational age to protect both mother and baby. 

1. Hospitalization & Continuous Monitoring 

• Patients with severe preeclampsia are typically admitted for round-the-clock monitoring. 
• Doctors will assess organ function, clotting ability, and signs of fetal distress. 

2. Medications for Severe Preeclampsia 

• Blood pressure medications (labetalol, hydralazine, or nifedipine) are frequently given if blood pressure reaches dangerous levels. 
• Magnesium sulfate (IV drip) is often administered to prevent seizures and reduce neurological complications. 

3. Early Delivery 

• Doctors may decide to induce labor to prevent complications. 
• Preeclampsia alone does not necessarily require a C-section, but certain factors may increase the likelihood, such as severe maternal symptoms, fetal distress, or failed labor induction. 

Potential Emergency Treatment Options for Eclampsia 

Eclampsia is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical intervention (4). If a woman experiences seizures, unconsciousness, or severe neurological symptoms, doctors may take any or all of the following steps (4): 

1. Immediate Stabilization 

• Intravenous magnesium sulfate may be administered immediately to stop seizures. 
• Blood pressure medications may be given to prevent stroke and brain hemorrhage. 
• Oxygen therapy and IV fluids may be administered to help stabilize the mother’s condition. 

2. Emergency Delivery 

• The safest way to stop eclampsia is to deliver the baby as soon as possible. 
• C-section may be required if the mother is too unstable for labor induction. 

3. Intensive Postpartum Monitoring 

• Blood pressure and organ function continue to be monitored after delivery. 
• Some women may need IV magnesium sulfate for up to 24-48 hours post-delivery to prevent further seizures. 

What About Postpartum Preeclampsia? 

Some women continue to experience high blood pressure and preeclampsia symptoms after birth or even develop preeclampsia for the first time days or weeks postpartum (5).  

Postpartum preeclampsia can develop up to 6 weeks after delivery, requiring urgent medical treatment (5). 

Potential Postpartum Preeclampsia Treatment Options 

Treatment for postpartum eclampsia may include any or all of the following: 

• Blood pressure medications (labetalol, nifedipine, or hydralazine) 
• Magnesium sulfate IV (if seizure risk is high) 
• Ongoing monitoring for organ function & blood pressure stability 

Who Is Considered To Be At Higher Risk Of Developing Preeclampsia? 

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, the most significant risk factors include (6): 

• Previous history of preeclampsia 
• Pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) 
• Chronic high blood pressure, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, or organ transplant history 
• First pregnancy 
• Obesity, particularly with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater 
• Age over 35 or under 20 
• Family history of preeclampsia (mother, sister, grandmother, or aunt had the disorder) 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 
• Lupus or other autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, etc.) 
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF) 
• Sickle cell disease 
• Black or African American individuals 

If you have one or more of these risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend additional monitoring and preventive measures, such as low-dose aspirin or calcium supplementation – more on this below. 

Why Do Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Develop? 

In the past, preeclampsia was sometimes called “the disease of theories,” but recent research has uncovered promising insights on the etiology of preeclampsia and eclampsia. The most widely accepted explanation for why preeclampsia develops focuses on placental dysfunction (7), where the placenta releases factors into the maternal bloodstream, triggering high blood pressure, inflammation, and organ stress. Contributing factors may include: 

1. Poor Placental Development
   If the placenta doesn’t implant deeply enough, blood flow to the baby can be restricted, and maternal blood pressure can increase (7).
2. Endothelial Dysfunction & Poor Circulation
   Damaged blood vessels may struggle to regulate blood flow, potentially leading to inflammation, clotting risks, and high blood pressure (8).
   To learn more about inflammation, read this article: Understanding & Supporting A Healthy Inflammatory Response
3. Immune System Dysregulation
   The maternal immune system must tolerate the fetus. Abnormal immune responses may contribute to inflammation and vascular dysfunction (9).
4. Low Nitric Oxide Production
   Nitric oxide helps relax blood vessels. If production is low, blood vessels can tighten, potentially raising blood pressure and reducing oxygen flow (10).
5. Genetic & Epigenetic Factors
   A family history of preeclampsia may increase risk, along with factors like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and nutritional deficiencies (6). 

Supporting A Healthy Pregnancy 

Although no intervention has been proven to prevent preeclampsia (1), supporting vascular health (8), managing inflammation (9), and balancing blood sugar (11) may contribute to a healthy pregnancy environment. 

1. Low Dose Aspirin For High Risk Pregnancies

For women at high risk of preeclampsia, healthcare providers may recommend low-dose aspirin be taken daily (12). Low-dose aspirin should only be taken under medical guidance. 

For more details on the potential benefits, risks, and current recommendations, read this article: Low-Dose Aspirin in Pregnancy: Potential Benefits & Risks

2. Nutrient Support for Pregnancy Health

Growing a new life is a nutrient-intensive process and taking a quality prenatal supplement and eating well before and during pregnancy helps maintain maternal and fetal health. Some research suggests that calcium may play an especially important role in maintaining normal blood pressure during pregnancy (13). 

• Calcium – Supports normal blood pressure regulation (13). In mothers at high-risk of preeclampsia, healthcare providers may recommend calcium supplementation during pregnancy. (Sources: Dairy, sardines, leafy greens, calcium citrate supplements.) 
• Vitamin D – Has been studied for its relation to a healthy pregnancy (14). (Sources: Sunlight, egg yolks, vitamin D3 supplements.) 
• Magnesium – Supports a healthy pregnancy, as well as muscular and vascular relaxation (15). (Sources: Dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, magnesium supplements.) 
• Omega-3s – Are valuable nutrients during pregnancy that help support overall health, including cardiovascular function (16). (Sources: Wild-caught salmon, sardines, cod liver oil.) 

To learn more about what constitutes a healthy diet during pregnancy, read this article: Dr. Green Mom’s Guide to Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

3. Gentle Movement To Support a Healthy Pregnancy

As long as there are no complications that require otherwise, regular gentle movement is very important during pregnancy. 

• Walking, prenatal yoga, gentle stretching, and micro workouts may support blood flow and vascular health (17). 
• Prioritizing sleep and rest are important for maintaining healthy cortisol levels, immune function and supporting overall well-being (18). 

Summary 

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, affecting 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. If left untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening condition that causes seizures and neurological complications.  

Early detection through prenatal monitoring is critical, as symptoms like high blood pressure, swelling, headaches, and vision changes may indicate preeclampsia. Treatment depends on gestational age and severity, ranging from monitoring and blood pressure management to early delivery in severe cases. 

While no guaranteed prevention method exists, certain interventions may help support pregnancy health. Low-dose aspirin is often recommended for high-risk individuals to promote blood flow and reduce inflammation. Calcium supplementation may be advised in some cases, particularly in populations with low dietary intake. Regularly engaging in gentle movement and managing stress may also contribute to overall maternal well-being. 

Because preeclampsia can develop even in low-risk pregnancies, it is essential to attend regular prenatal checkups and discuss personalized risk factors with a healthcare provider. 

References:  

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