bad swelling at 36 weeks, is this normal?

Hi ladies, I have been reading a lot on this forum, but not post often. Now I have a question. I am 36 weeks, I noticed recently that my hands are swelling badly especially in the morning that I could not even make a fist. My legs and ankles are swelling a lot in the afternoon. I had my Dr. appointment on Wed., my blood pressure was high than before too at 146/76 (was 120/70 all the time), also sugar was detected in my urine. My OB is aware of all my symptoms, but she does not say anything. My book says if I have swelling hands or face, I should be concerned and report to my Dr. What do you ladies think? Is this normal? or those are signs of pre-ecclampsia?

Thanks

[GNicole]

I am also 36 weeks and have severe swelling, although I have been this way for a long time. My ankles, feet and hands get very swollen. Last night I could barely walk, but my blood pressure has stayed normal so they aren't worried. I would want to be seen by someone else to see what they suggest. Is there anyone else you can see in the practice?  Good luck to you! :)

[marra]

hi i am in uk and had pre eclamsia . not sure if its the same there .but here they are not concerned unless dyastolic (lower one)  is above 90 and protien in wee !

[flyingsnow]

To be honest, I don't like my OB from the very beginning. She was referred to me by my family doctor whom I have been seeing till my 28 weeks appointment. But my family doctor does not do delivery. My OB always rushes me out. She has too many patients, and she does not remember who I am at all and does not make any notes when I told her my swelling problem. (I guess I was so used to my family doctor.) Any of my symptoms alone is not a problem, but when they come all at the same time, I think my OB at least should be concerned. I am due soon, not quite sure if it is a good idea to switch OB. But I will see if I can see someone else.

[newbie2b]

I feel the same way about my ob.  The one I was seeing was the head of the department and she always always rushed me and I felt like she didnt fully answer my questions but I went to her because she was referred to me by my best friend. So recently, she went on vacation and I had to see another women in her practice and LOVED her. I went back to the old one this week and regret going back. Next week I have an appointment with the new one. She takes her time and talks to me, not just runs out after she's done.
Anyway, are there other dr's in her practice? Maybe a nurse that you can talk to. I always thought that preeclamsia was something to worry about when it was a sudden swelling. But I think you should call to be safe. That is not something you want to play with. Good luck and let us know how you are!

[brentlie]

I am 34 weeks and I have had severe swelling since about 14 weeks.  Dr. says some people just swell more than others and as long as my BP stays low I am fine.  I called in today because I wore shoes to work this morning and took them off under my desk and then went to put them back on and I couldnt get them on my feet.  My hands are swollen too, I can't make a fist.  I was just in there office on Wed. and my BP was still fine and I had gained 5 lbs in 2 weeks and Dr. didn't say a word about it he just rushed me out.  I think if you are having problems with your bp and urine and you are swelled more than normal you need to call your dr. right away.  I have already gained 35 lbs and I still have 6 weeks to go, it really bothers me, but Doc. seems to think I am fine.

[Pearl99]

That sounds really high!  Mine is always 100/60 ish and I have no swelling (kind of amazing at 38 wks but swelling is not necessarily what everyone gets just cause they're pregnant--ie it's not 'natural'). However it's the combo that's worrisome--high BP (146 IS HIGH) and swelling that's dangerous.  Ask her point blank: "Have you considered Pre-eclampsia or not with my readings?  If not, why not? Why is my BP going up?" If your BP goes up at all by next visit or the swelling seems worse even one morning, call... I am assuming you're in once a week by now. I don't want to scare you but it can develop into a lifethreatening condition VERY quickly (for you and baby) and at any age.  Have you thought of getting a new doctor?