Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of gestational thrombocytopenia?

Gestational thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decrease in platelet count that occurs during pregnancy, typically recognized in the second or third trimester rather than the first. This timing is important as the condition tends to develop later due to the physiological changes that happen during pregnancy. Therefore, the assertion that onset occurs in the first trimester is not accurate, making it the correct choice for what is NOT characteristic of gestational thrombocytopenia.

The other characteristics affirm its definition. It is usually asymptomatic, meaning most women with this condition do not experience symptoms or have a history of bleeding episodes. Additionally, women with gestational thrombocytopenia generally have no prior history of low platelet counts outside of pregnancy, and their platelet levels typically return to normal after childbirth as the physiological changes of pregnancy resolve. Understanding these features helps in differentiating gestational thrombocytopenia from other causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnant patients.