Postpartum eclampsia refers to the sudden onset of grand mal seizures or coma shortly after giving birth. The condition can potentially cause serious damage to the mother's central nervous system (CNS), heart, and other major organs of the body if not recognized and treated promptly. Symptoms tend to appear within 48 hours of giving birth, but it's possible to experience postpartum eclampsia several days or even weeks later. Advances in prenatal care and medicine have significantly reduced the frequency of episodes of eclampsia and related complications throughout the world during the last decades.
The causes of postpartum eclampsia are unknown, but doctors are aware of several risk factors and warning signs. The vast majority of mothers who experience postpartum eclampsia have already been diagnosed with a condition called pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure, fluid retention, and protein loss in the urine. Related stress on the heart and CNS increases the likelihood that seizures will develop. Women over the age of 40, especially those having their first pregnancies, are at the highest risk for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
A mother may experience a single isolated seizure or a series of seizures after delivery. In general, a seizure lasts about a minute and involves facial twitching, pauses in breathing, and foaming at the mouth. The muscles of the face and body begin to contract and relax spontaneously for several seconds at the end of an episode. A temporary coma may set in after a seizure, followed by a period of confusion and extreme fatigue. In most cases, women do not recall becoming or losing consciousness after the event.
During an active seizure, the medical team supplies oxygen, restrains the patient, and administers an intravenous dose of a CNS relaxant. Blood pressure, consciousness, and breathing are carefully monitored after the seizures stop. A doctor can then confirm that the symptoms were caused by postpartum eclampsia and not another seizure disorder by reviewing lab tests and taking imaging. A low blood platelet count and increased protein in the urine are signs of preeclampsia-induced seizures. CT scans rule out brain defects, hemorrhages, and tumors.
A woman experiencing postpartum eclampsia is usually kept in the hospital for several days so doctors can monitor her condition. Anti-seizure medications may be needed to prevent further seizures. In most cases, there is no permanent damage to the patient's body or brain, and her child is usually born free of health problems.