Preeclampsia, sometimes referred to as 'high blood pressure of pregnancy,' is a condition that typically develops after 20 weeks of gestation. While it's more commonly diagnosed in the third trimester, it's important to understand that it can also manifest during your second trimester (weeks 14-27). Recognizing the signs and working closely with your care team during this window is key to a calm and clear pregnancy experience.
Why it shows up this trimester
For some individuals, the physiological changes that contribute to preeclampsia can begin to develop earlier in pregnancy. While the full criteria for diagnosis usually appear after 20 weeks, your care provider will be routinely checking your blood pressure and urine for protein at every prenatal visit. These consistent checks are designed to catch any early indicators. If preeclampsia does begin to show up in the second trimester, it often means your care team will be monitoring you even more closely, sometimes with additional appointments or tests, to ensure both your well-being and your baby's.
