Swelling of the hands, feet, and face is an expected finding in which pregnant condition?

• A. Preeclampsia
• B. Gestational Hypertension
• C. Eclampsia
• D. Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Answer: (A)

Swelling of the hands, feet, and face points to preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that typically arises after 20 weeks. In preeclampsia, high blood pressure combines with changes in the blood vessels that increase permeability, allowing fluid to leak into tissues and cause edema, especially in the hands and face. This edema is a clue alongside possible protein in the urine, which helps distinguish it from other conditions.

Gestational hypertension involves elevated blood pressure without proteinuria. Eclampsia includes seizures in a patient with preeclampsia. Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting with potential weight loss and dehydration, not primarily edema.