Preeclampsia and eclampsia are two very serious medical conditions. If either of these conditions proceeds untreated or undetected during a mother’s pregnancy, the results can be devastating. In these situations, it often becomes critical to retain the assistance of an experienced medical malpractice attorney. It also helps to understand some important details about these illnesses and the damage they can cause.
What are Eclampsia and Preeclampsia?
To begin with, it is helpful to understand the differences between these two medical conditions:
- Preeclampsia. This condition develops during pregnancy and if not properly treated, can lead to eclampsia. The condition is signified by sustained periods of increased blood pressure. High protein levels in a person’s urine are also common indicators because preeclampsia causes blood vessels to leak proteins into a person’s body.
- Eclampsia. This condition can be life-threatening and can cause a person to experiencing coma, convulsions, seizures, and in some cases death.
What Causes Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?
The cause of eclampsia and preeclampsia is unknown. Despite this, medical professionals who have researched the condition believe that malnutrition, poor diet, genetics, and insufficient blood flow may contribute to the onset of this condition.
While the exact cause of the condition might not be known, some groups are at greater risk of these illnesses than others. The condition tends to most commonly affect pregnant teenagers, women above the age of 40 who become pregnant, and first-time mothers. Some of the other factors that place people at risk for the two conditions include:
- Diabetes
- A history of preeclampsia
- Kidney disease
- Mothers or sisters who are diagnosed with preeclampsia
- Multiple children
- Obesity
- Pre-pregnancy hypertension
Associated Symptoms
Besides increased blood pressure and protein levels, pregnant women also experience several common symptoms associated with the condition, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Blindness
- Changes in reflexes
- Coma
- Death
- Excessive bleeding
- Heart failure
- Migraines
- Nausea
- Rapid weight gain
- Reduced urine output
- Seizures
- Stroke
Treatment of Eclampsia and Preeclampsia
With the most severe forms of these conditions, the only true “cure” is often the delivery of the baby. For less severe cases, there are many treatment options that might be utilized, which include:
- Antihypertensive medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- Bed rest
- Hospitalization
- Low or no salt diet
- Magnesium injections
- Regular blood and urine tests
- Regular fetal monitoring
How the Conditions can Harm Babies
If preeclampsia or eclampsia is not promptly treated, it can reduce and sometimes even completely cut off blood flow to the placenta. This reduced oxygen supply can cause:
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental disabilities
- Epilepsy
- Hearing problems
- Placental abruption
- Stillbirth
- Vision problems
Contact Me Today
Whether it is eclampsia, preeclampsia, or any type of injury, if you or your child has been harmed as a result of untimely medical treatment, contact me today to schedule a free consultation. I know how challenging preeclampsia or eclampsia can be. Contact me today, and I’ll Me Them Pay!®.
