A pregnant woman in her third trimester shows signs of hypertension and swollen ankles. What illness is most likely causing her symptoms?

The symptoms presented, specifically hypertension and swollen ankles in a pregnant woman during the third trimester, are indicative of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and often, but not exclusively, accompanied by signs of damage to another organ system, most commonly the kidneys. Swelling, or edema, particularly in the lower extremities, can occur due to fluid retention exacerbated by high blood pressure.

While gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, it primarily affects glucose metabolism rather than causing hypertension and swelling. Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, generally leading to abdominal pain and bleeding, rather than hypertension. Preterm labor is identified by consistent contractions leading to early childbirth, without direct correlation to hypertension or significant swelling in isolation.

Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying preeclampsia as the most likely condition associated with the given symptoms.