O12: Gestational [pregnancy-induced] oedema and proteinuria without hypertension

Gestational oedema and proteinuria without hypertension refer to a group of conditions that occur during pregnancy. These conditions are characterized by abnormal swelling (oedema), typically in the feet and hands, and high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria), but without increased blood pressure. The changes during pregnancy trigger these conditions, with the exact causes still under investigation. The accumulative fluid can cause the tissues in different parts of the body to swell, and excessive protein in the urine suggests that the kidneys are not filtering properly. The conditions usually present in the second half of pregnancy and can progressively worsen as the pregnancy advances. The affected systems are predominantly the renal and circulatory systems. These conditions generally do not pose a serious risk, but ongoing monitoring is recommended to ensure they do not progress to pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy condition.