What is eclampsia that reportedly took Olympian Tori Bowie's life
Track and field star Tori Bowie, who won multiple Olympic medals in 2016, tragically passed away due to pregnancy complications, possibly involving eclampsia, as revealed by an autopsy report. The autopsy report revealed that she was found deceased in her bed on May 2 while being eight months pregnant. Let's delve into the essential details surrounding eclampsia, shedding light on this potentially dangerous condition.
Who was Torie Bowie?
Tori Bowie was an American track and field athlete, known as one of the fastest women in the world. Bowie won a gold medal in the 4x100-meter relay at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London. She also earned a silver medal at the Rio De Janeiro Olympics and a bronze in the 200-meter race.
What is eclampsia?
Eclampsia, a rare but grave complication of preeclampsia, can have significant consequences during pregnancy. Preeclampsia itself is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. However, eclampsia takes it a step further, leading to seizures or convulsions in pregnant individuals with preeclampsia. These seizures bring about episodes of shaking, confusion, and disorientation due to abnormal brain activity.
What makes eclampsia highly dangerous?
If eclampsia is not treated in time, it can make the heart weak and lead to fluid buildup in the lungs. The seizures that come with eclampsia can lead to brain damage and even coma. Sadly, according to a report from the Harvard Maternal Health Task Force, about 700 women die every year during childbirth or within the first month of pregnancy.
Symptoms of this deadly disease
Eclampsia brings with it several noticeable symptoms. Seizures, loss of consciousness, and agitation are the key indicators. Additionally, elevated blood pressure, swelling in the face or hands, headaches, excessive weight gain, and nausea with vomiting may occur. Loss of vision or blurry vision, difficulty urinating, and abdominal pain, especially in the right upper abdomen, are also commonly observed.
What causes eclampsia?
Eclampsia, which follows preeclampsia, is caused by the worsening of high blood pressure during pregnancy and, in some cases, postpartum. This condition is often accompanied by protein in the urine. Eclampsia occurs when preeclampsia worsens and affects the brain, leading to seizures. Although doctors are unsure of the precise cause, they believe it stems from abnormal development and functioning of the placenta.
Who is at risk?
Eclampsia poses a higher risk for individuals who have had preeclampsia before. Other risk factors during pregnancy include gestational or chronic hypertension, and being either older than 35 or younger than 20. Women who are experiencing a first-time pregnancy, carrying twins or triplets, and suffering from conditions like diabetes or kidney disease that affect blood vessels, are at a higher risk.
How does it affect the baby's health?
Preeclampsia and eclampsia affect the placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby. High blood pressure reduces blood flow to the placenta, causing problems. This can lead to the baby having a low birth weight or other health issues. Sometimes, this may require delivering the baby early for their safety. In rare instances, these conditions can result in the unfortunate outcome of stillbirth.
How is eclampsia treated?
The treatment for eclampsia involves delivering the baby. The timing of delivery depends on how severe the condition is and how developed the baby is. If the doctor diagnoses mild preeclampsia, they will monitor your condition closely and give you medication to prevent it from getting worse. In severe cases or if eclampsia develops, the doctor may deliver the baby early.
