Medical Problems: Hypertension During The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy. This term is a subcategory of the broader medical problem hypertension during pregnancy which itself belongs to the even broader medical problem of hypertension. 

Hypertension in the setting of pregnancy is approached slightly differently given the clinical context (source)
Hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy is approached slightly differently given the clinical context (source).
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy refers to elevated blood pressure that occurs during the third trimester of a patient’s pregnancy.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

This can be the sign of a dangerous underlying condition.

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy can be organized in a few different ways:

  • Can’t miss diagnosis
  • Organ system
  • Disease category
  • Diagnostic modality
  • Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Interpreting clinical data
TREATMENT

The treatment of hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:

  • Overview of treatments 

 

Page Updated: 12.04.2016