Eclampsia

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What Is Eclampsia

Eclampsia is rare but life-threatening complication, which occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in urine) are more prone to Eclampsia, which causes seizures during pregnancy. If Preeclampsia occurs, it will usually be in the 20th week of pregnancy, but it can develop after the baby is delivered. Eclampsia only affects 1 in every 200 women who have Preeclampsia. Women with Preeclampsia need to be monitored during pregnancy as the outcome can be fatal.

Signs Of Eclampsia

Because Preeclampsia can progress into Eclampsia, symptoms for both conditions may occur. The primary symptom for Eclampsia, however, it seizures or convulsions. Depending on the affected organ systems, symptoms may vary. Symptoms may also be caused by other conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes. Symptoms should be reported to your doctor.

Symptoms For Preeclampsia:

Nausea & Vomiting
High Blood Pressure
Headaches
Problems with Urination
Swelling of the Hands or Face
Vision Problems

Symptoms For Eclampsia:

Seizures
Loss of Concsiousness
Muscle Pain or Headaches
Being Easily Agitated

What Causes Eclampsia

While the exact cause for Preeclampsia and Eclampsia is not fully understood, a common thought is that it has to do with irregularities with the endothelial system (the lining cells of blood vessels). Preeclampsia, if it occurs at all, will occur during the first pregnancy or in women who have had multiple gestations (generally 35 years or older). The development of Preeclampsia is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some probable causes are listed below.

High Blood Pressure (prior to having Preeclampsia)
Obesity
Nutritional Factors (poor diet involving junk food, processed food, or genetically modified food)
Immune System Dysfunction
History of Preeclampsia/Eclampsia in Family (while women with family members who had the condition are more prone to the condition, it is not definite)
Too Much/Too Little Placenta (or how placenta attached to walls of the uterus)
Pregnancy Achieved via Donor Insemination or Egg Donation
Insufficient Blood Flow to Uterus

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Since obesity can be a cause of Preeclampsia, it's best to keep a healthy diet and weight during pregnancy. It's ideal to steer clear of processed food, junk food, genetically modified food, meat, dairy, salt, and sugar and focus on a healthier diet comprised of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy starches. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, controlling the amount of food you eat during pregnancy is key. Portion control can be difficult to maintain, but it can help prevent weight gain.
Exercising on a regular basis (for at least 30 minutes a few days a week) can help to lower blood pressure. Since high blood pressure can be the cause of Preeclampia, you want to take action to control it before you develop the condition. When it comes to exercising, it's important to keep a consistent regimen because a long break from exercising can increase the blood pressure again.
Squeeze a lemon into one cup of water and warm it in a pot for 15 minutes; you can put the lemon halves in the pot as well. Strain the lemon water and then consume. You should do drink this solution 2-3 times daily to help get rid of Preeclampsia.
Add beets to your diet as they are incredible for helping with proper digestion. You can drink 2-3 glasses of beet juice every day, you can add them to salads, or give them a quick pan-fry. Beets are a great source of antioxidants, they help to detox the liver, and can help decrease blood pressure.

Things you should eat