What condition can harm both a pregnant woman and her baby?

Eclampsia is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy and is characterized by the onset of seizures in a woman who has preeclampsia, which is marked by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine. Eclampsia poses significant risks not only to the mother, including possible loss of consciousness, injury, and even death, but also jeopardizes the health of the unborn baby. It can lead to complications such as oxygen deprivation for the fetus due to decreased blood flow, as well as preterm delivery.

In contrast, while gestational diabetes and preterm labor can also affect pregnancy, their immediate risks differ. Gestational diabetes can lead to complications but is typically manageable and often resolves after childbirth. Preterm labor is concerning for the baby, but it is more associated with the timing of delivery rather than a direct harm like that caused by eclampsia. Morning sickness, although physically taxing for the mother, generally does not pose threats to the baby's health and is considered a normal part of many pregnancies. Thus, eclampsia stands out as a condition that can have severe, direct negative consequences for both a pregnant woman and her baby.