Which obstetric condition involves seizures following preeclampsia and is life-threatening for mother and fetus?

• A. Spontaneous abortion
• B. First stage
• C. Preeclampsia
• D. Eclampsia

Answer: (D)

This tests the progression of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. After 20 weeks, preeclampsia involves high blood pressure with protein in the urine or related organ dysfunction. If seizures develop, the condition is eclampsia, which is a medical emergency because the seizures can cause brain injury, hypoxia for both mother and fetus, and other life-threatening complications. The defining feature here is the new-onset seizures occurring in the setting of preeclampsia. Management centers on stabilizing the mother, controlling seizures (usually with magnesium sulfate), protecting the airway and breathing, and delivering the baby when feasible to remove the source of the problem. Spontaneous abortion and the first stage of labor are unrelated to this severe obstetric emergency.