Eclampsia is the occurrence of convulsions not associated with any other disease, such as epilepsy, in a pregnant woman (see pregnancy) with abnormally high blood pressure and fluid retention (pre-eclampsia, toxemia of pregnancy). The condition, which threatens the lives of mother and baby, must be treated immediately or coma and death will follow. Delivery may be hastened of cesarean section performed. The cause of eclampsia is unknown.