Seizures (convulsions) that are not associated with any other brain abnormality or condition in

a mother who has preeclampsia. 91% of the cases of this potentially life threatening illness
will occur in the third trimester of pregnancy, but it can also occur earlier in pregnancy, in
labor or in the postpartum period. There are greater risks for complications including low birth
weight (LBW), preterm delivery and fetal and/or maternal death when a woman has
eclampsia. Eclampsia occurs in about 1 in 2,000-3,000 pregnancies.

The exact causes of eclampsia are unknown. Because eclampsia and preeclampsia are closely
related, it is likely that the two conditions are caused by similar underlying factors, but the
data so far has not identified any factors common to all cases. Research has, however,
identified several likely mechanisms that may contribute to developing eclampsia and
preeclampsia. All of these mechanisms are complex and involve various interactions between
the immune system, cardiovascular tissues and genetic factors. Some of the mechanisms
being investigated currently include:

• Problems with the cells that line the insides of certain blood vessels
• Overproduction, underproduction, or malfunction of proteins needed to grow new
blood vessels in the placenta
• Abnormal development of capillaries and certain types of muscles within the placenta
• Increased immune system sensitivity which causes the mother’s immune system
to attack certain molecules that are needed to regulate blood flow into the placenta
• Increased overall sensitivity to hormones that regulate blood pressure and blood flow
in different parts of the body

The cause of eclampsia is not well understood. If pre-eclampsia is not controlled, it can
lead to eclampsia. Usually very few cases of eclampsia are reported in India, today. An
increased risk for pre-eclampsia is associated with first time pregnancies, teenage
pregnancies or mothers older than 40 years, multiple pregnancies and women with a
history of diabetes, hypertension or renal disease.

Common nursing diagnosis found in Nursing care plans Preeclampsia-Eclampsia

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension PIH

• Activity intolerance
• Disturbed sensory perception (visual)
• Disturbed thought processes
• Excess fluid volume
• Fear
• Impaired urinary elimination
• Ineffective coping
• Ineffective tissue perfusion: Cerebral, peripheral
• Excess Fluid Volume related to pathophysiologic changes of gestational
hypertension and increased risk of fluid overload
• Ineffective Tissue Perfusion: Fetal Cardiac and Cerebral related to altered
placental blood flow caused by vasospasm and thrombosis

• Risk for Injury related to seizures or to prolonged bed rest or other therapeutic
regimens
• Anxiety related to diagnosis and concern for self and fetus