What it means
The most severe stage of the high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy. Tonic-clonic seizures start in a person with preeclampsiapree-ih-KLAMP-see-uhA disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.pre- beforeeclampsia Full entry , before, during or after birth. It puts both the birthing parent and the baby at risk of brain bleeding, low oxygen and placental problems.
For the nurse
During a seizure, keep the client safe, turn her to the side, do not put anything in her mouth and call for help. Afterward, give oxygen, suction if needed, check the fetal heart rate and give magnesium sulfate as ordered.
Remember it
Pre- comes before: preeclampsia comes first; eclampsia is when seizures begin.
At a glance
| Spanish | eclampsia |
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Easy to confuse with
preeclampsia
A disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.
Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
magnesium
A mineral in the blood that the nerves, muscles and heart need, measured with a blood test.
preeclampsia
A disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.