By Safia Abdulrahman
Dr Marvelous Idemudia of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Clinic, Abuja, has warned pregnant women against ignoring early signs of eclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy complication.
Expert says eclampsia is a severe, life-threatening pregnancy complication characterised by the onset of sudden, uncontrollable seizures (convulsions) or coma in a pregnant woman or a woman who has recently given birth.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, Idemudia identified leg swelling, severe headaches and unusual weight gain as possible warning signs of the condition.
She urged expectant mothers to seek immediate medical attention when such symptoms occurred, explaining that eclampsia was a severe pregnancy complication in which seizures developed after 20 weeks of pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.
According to her, eclampsia is usually preceded by preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related disorder characterised by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, and is commonly associated with hypertension and the presence of protein in the urine.
She emphasised that regular antenatal care and medical monitoring during pregnancy were essential for early detection and management of the condition.
“Symptoms such as severe edema, persistent vomiting, convulsions and rising blood pressure should never be assumed as normal pregnancy experiences.
“When a pregnant woman realises swelling in her legs, she should immediately report to the hospital as soon as possible,” she said.
Idemudia emphasised that although eclampsia might not be completely preventable, early detection and proper antenatal care could help manage the condition and reduce complications.
She advised pregnant women to register for antenatal care as soon as pregnancy was confirmed, noting that regular check-ups helped healthcare providers detect rising blood pressure early.
“If it is detected early, it can be managed better. But if it is detected late, there will be a delay in management,” she said.
The medical doctor also cautioned against harmful traditional practices during convulsions, including forcing objects into a patient’s mouth or physically restraining the individual.
“People should avoid traditional practices such as forcing spoons into the patient’s mouth or hitting the person during convulsions,” she said.
According to her, in emergency situations before medical assistance arrives, the patient should be turned on their side to prevent choking and then taken promptly to a hospital.
“Eclampsia remains one of the major complications associated with pregnancy and has serious risks to both mother and child if not treated promptly,” she said.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru