Which condition poses the greatest risk for a pregnant client in the third trimester?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys, occurring after the 20th week of gestation. In the third trimester, the risk of developing severe preeclampsia increases, and it can lead to critical complications for both the mother and the fetus, including seizures (eclampsia), stroke, and organ failure.

Preeclampsia can also necessitate premature delivery to protect the health of the mother and baby. The risks posed by this condition make it one of the most serious complications in the third trimester, warranting careful monitoring and management.

While gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and fetal distress are also significant concerns during late pregnancy, they either pose less immediate risk to maternal health or can often be managed more effectively than preeclampsia. For instance, gestational diabetes can typically be controlled with diet and insulin, while preterm labor can sometimes be halted with medications. Fetal distress may indicate a need for urgent interventions but typically arises as a consequence of other underlying issues, like preeclampsia or placental abruption. Therefore, preeclampsia stands out as the greatest risk in