Gestational edema, third trimester

This code signifies the presence of swelling due to fluid retention that develops during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is a common, often benign, condition characterized by generalized or localized edema, typically affecting the lower extremities, hands, and face. This diagnosis is made when the edema is not associated with hypertension or proteinuria.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates the patient is in her third trimester and presents with edema attributed solely to the pregnancy, without any signs of pre-eclampsia or other underlying medical conditions. Supporting documentation would include physician notes describing the presence and location of edema, gestational age, and ruling out other causes.

• Do not use this code if the edema is accompanied by hypertension or proteinuria; consider codes for pre-eclampsia.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "third trimester" for accurate code assignment.
• This code is typically a secondary diagnosis, with a code from category O09 (Supervision of high-risk pregnancy) or O80 (Encounter for full-term uncomplicated delivery) as the primary.