how does pre-eclampsia onset?

I am 36 weeks pregnant, have never had high blood pressure or protein in my urine, no problems at all with this pregnancy other than that the baby is measuring "big", 2-4 weeks ahead by ultrasound measures.  My hands and feet have been slightly swollen for a while now, but today my feet are HUGE, the tops are swollen so badly I can barely wear flip flops!!  What is going on??  COuld this be preeclampsia?  Can it be this sudden?  
I have a sono and a doc appt Monday, but I am really concerned and wondering, for those of you who have experienced it, how does pre-eclampsia come on??
Oh and with 4 other kids and a teaching job, putting my feet up is just not an option,  :(
Thanks for any advice/info!!  

[lilpollywog]

You should be fine til monday.  Could be the first signs of it.  I had it with both of my kids and did not have a low lying placenta.  Every appt was completely normal until the last monday.  Went in and my blood pressure was up 20-30 points in both systolic and dyastolic.  And protein in my urine.  I was also retaining water really bad.  She had me come back Wednesday for a recheck and induced me on Friday.  I wouldnt worry about it, just take it easy and make sure you go Monday.  Good luck!

[breanna_d]

My understanding.is that the tell tale sign is a low laying placenta so if u had your normal ultrasounds then it should have been addressed then.

[jenkaye21]

Oh! I didn't know those were associated at all! I was diagnosed with placenta previa early on but it went away. Will have to ask about this Mon. Thanks!

[mrsreeder2be]

Sounds like pitted edema. Basically super swelling with water retention. If you push into your swollen feet does it pit? (Dip down)

[lilpollywog]

You should be fine til monday.  Could be the first signs of it.  I had it with both of my kids and did not have a low lying placenta.  Every appt was completely normal until the last monday.  Went in and my blood pressure was up 20-30 points in both systolic and dyastolic.  And protein in my urine.  I was also retaining water really bad.  She had me come back Wednesday for a recheck and induced me on Friday.  I wouldnt worry about it, just take it easy and make sure you go Monday.  Good luck!

[emmiesmam]

i had pre-eclampsia really bad with my 1st baby and had her 9 weeks early. bp was sky high 4 pluses of protein swellin was ridiculous took me a long time to get well again after having the baby aswell. its best to get it checked out it can be fatal. i hope i avnt scared you my little girl was a tiny 3lb 6oz and in hospital for 6weeks but shes a healthy little 5 year old now.