Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

35% with in the first few hours after delivery. Eclampsia is
characterized by convulsions and coma.
The stages of an eclamptic fit
Premonitory stage (lasts 10-20 seconds)
The mother is restless and rapid eye movements can be
noted.
- The head may be drawn to one side and twitching of the
facial muscles may occur
- The mother has no perception of the impending fit and
shows altered awareness.
Tonic stage (lasts 10-20 seconds)
- The muscles of the mother’s body go into spasm and
become rigid and her back may become arched.
- Her teeth will become tightly clenched and her eyes
staring
The clonic stage (lasts 60-90 seconds)
- Violent contraction and intermittent relaxation of the
mother’s muscles produces conversions movements
- Salivation increases and foaming at the mouth occurs.
- The mother’s face becomes congested and bloated and
the features become distorted.
147