What maternal health condition is indicated by significant water retention in late pregnancy?

Significant water retention in late pregnancy is primarily associated with edema. Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling, particularly in the extremities, such as the legs and ankles. While some level of swelling is common in pregnancy due to the physiological changes in the body, excessive or sudden swelling can indicate a more serious issue.

In the context of pregnancy, edema can occur as the growing uterus puts pressure on blood vessels, limiting venous return from the lower extremities. This process can lead to a relatively benign condition commonly referred to as pregnancy-related edema.

While options like preeclampsia can also present with swelling due to increased blood pressure and potential kidney dysfunction, preeclampsia typically comes with other key indicators like protein in the urine and hypertension. Gestational diabetes primarily affects glucose metabolism and is not directly associated with water retention. Similarly, placenta previa involves the placement of the placenta over the cervical opening, which does not directly correlate with fluid retention in the body tissues.

Recognizing that edema is a common and generally expected finding in late pregnancy serves to differentiate it from conditions that would raise more concerning flags in maternal health assessments.