Eclampsia is a seizure or coma that occurs during pregnancy, usually as a result of severe preeclampsia.

Very few people with preeclampsia have seizures. But eclampsia is dangerous for both you and your baby. During a seizure, oxygen supply to the baby is sharply reduced.

Sudden eclampsia can occur before, during, or (rarely) up to 6 weeks after delivery. Seizures that occur after the baby is born (postpartum seizures) are most common during the first 48 hours after delivery.

Magnesium sulfate treatment works very well to prevent and treat eclampsia. It is often given during labor and after delivery to those who are at high risk for eclampsia.