Preeclampsia, sometimes referred to as 'high blood pressure of pregnancy,' is a condition that can arise at various points in pregnancy, but it is most frequently diagnosed in the third trimester. This is a time when your body is working incredibly hard, supporting significant growth and preparing for birth. Understanding what to look for and how to collaborate with your care team can bring calm and clarity during this important window.
Why it shows up this trimester
While preeclampsia can technically develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the third trimester (weeks 28-40) is when it most commonly becomes apparent. As your pregnancy progresses, the demands on your body, particularly your cardiovascular system and kidneys, increase significantly. The placenta, which is central to preeclampsia's development, is also at its largest and most active. For some, the condition might have been subtly developing, and the increased physiological stress of late pregnancy can cause symptoms to become more pronounced or to appear quite suddenly. It's also important to remember that preeclampsia can sometimes emerge in the postpartum period, even after a healthy birth.
