Which condition is characterized by new-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizures during pregnancy?

The condition characterized by new-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizures during pregnancy is eclampsia. Eclampsia is a serious complication of preeclampsia, which itself is defined by the onset of hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy. However, eclampsia specifically refers to the presence of seizures that occur in a woman with preeclampsia. It can develop after the onset of preeclampsia and is indicative of the progression of the disease.

The seizures associated with eclampsia are often generalized tonic-clonic in nature, affecting the entire body and can lead to significant maternal and fetal morbidity or mortality if not promptly addressed. Management typically involves controlling the seizures and stabilizing the mother, often requiring urgent delivery of the fetus in severe cases.

Conditions such as gestational hypertension and placental abruption do not typically present with seizures as a primary symptom. Gestational hypertension is essentially high blood pressure that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy without the presence of protein in the urine, and placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, which can cause bleeding and abdominal pain but not seizures.