Stages of Eclampsia

Eclampsia is not a slow disease with set stages, but it follows a recognisable path. The most important point is that it can be interrupted early.

1. Risk before and early in pregnancy. Risk factors, such as chronic hypertension, diabetes or a past pre-eclampsia, can be identified at the first antenatal visit. Some women are advised low-dose aspirin from early in the second trimester by their doctor.

2. Gestational hypertension. After 20 weeks, blood pressure begins to rise without other signs. Close follow-up starts.

3. Pre-eclampsia. High blood pressure plus protein in the urine, or signs that the liver, kidneys, platelets or brain are affected. Symptoms such as headache or visual change may appear. This is the stage at which treatment can prevent seizures.

4. Severe features. Very high blood pressure, severe headache, vision change, abdominal pain, low platelets, abnormal liver tests or breathlessness. Hospital admission and magnesium sulfate are needed.

5. Eclampsia. The seizure. It can come with little warning, even when blood pressure is only moderately raised.

6. Recovery or complications. After delivery and treatment, most women recover over days to weeks. Blood pressure should be followed up, because it can stay high.

Postpartum. The risk continues for about six weeks after birth.

What this means in practice. The early stages are silent, which is why regular antenatal checks matter. Any severe headache, vision change or upper abdominal pain should lead to same-day care.