Fits or Body Shaking
| CARD 19 · RED | |
|---|---|
| Category | Pre-existing |
| 108 | 📞 CALL 108 |
| Pathway | 108 → CHC / District Hospital (MgSO4 treatment) |
What is this?
Fits (convulsions) during pregnancy — where the body shakes uncontrollably and the woman loses consciousness — are a life-threatening emergency called eclampsia. This is caused by very high blood pressure that has reached the point where it affects the brain and nervous system. Without treatment within minutes, fits can cause permanent brain damage or death.
A fit can happen suddenly, even in a woman who seemed well before. It can happen before, during, or after delivery. The only effective treatment is an injection of magnesium sulphate, which must be given at the CHC or District Hospital by trained medical staff. Every minute from the moment the fit begins matters.
- Lay the woman on her side (recovery position) to prevent choking
- Do NOT put anything in her mouth — no food, water, or medicine
- Keep her head safe and clear the space around her body
- Call 108 immediately
- Go to the CHC or District Hospital at once — there is no time to wait
Pathway: 📞 108→CHC / District Hospital (MgSO4)
Every second matters from the moment fits begin. There is no safe waiting time — not even minutes. Magnesium sulphate injection must be given at the CHC to stop further fits and prevent death. Do not give any food, water, or medicine through the mouth during or after a fit. This is among the most dangerous conditions in the MAMA ALERT deck.
Khasi audio guide
Related cards
- Blood Pressure High — untreated high blood pressure is the cause of eclampsia
- Severe Headache with Vision Disturbed — the warning stage before fits
- Mother Has Collapsed — manage similarly if she is unconscious