Stress Test

DezignedByFaith

Should've posted this here first instead of Pregnancy after 35. Who has had a stress test? How did you do? Not sure of the ins and outs.

10-4LilBuddy

Stress test? I've only had non-stress tests (NSTs). Curious - why would this be ordered?

DezignedByFaith

Well I'm 38 with high blood pressure. My heart rate was 145 at my prenatal appointment and jumped to 160 at the ER. But after being there for four hours under observation, my heart rate went to the ranges of 100-120 and my pressure was even good. Been home and my pressure is great and heart rate is like 96-102. The ER doctor said he believes a lot is panic disorder, which I've been suffering with for over a year now. The baby looks good but she's already over 5 lbs, and I'm just 32 weeks today. I do have big babies. So I guess it's all precautionary but freaking me out. I'm giving myself headaches.

hjweber

So are you having a cardiac stress test?  Or do you mean a non stress test (NST) to monitor baby?  

DezignedByFaith

They never stated what kind it is. I had some testing done at the ER and it was all normal. My OB/GYN said she wanted me to have a stress test and that was it.

hjweber

Based on your original post, I would guess it is a cardiac stress test for YOU.  They didn't say they would be monitoring baby?  It's pretty confusing.  I would definitely call and ask exactly what they are having you do and have them explain the test and what it consists of.  A cardiac stress test will consist of monitoring your heart using attached electrodes while you do some sort of physical exercise (usually treadmill).  A non stress test means you would have a fetal doppler strapped to your abdomen for a certain amount of time ( usually anywhere from 30min-2 hours, depending on what they want) to monitor baby's heart rate.  

DezignedByFaith

I'm going to give them a call first thing Monday. I have to go to the OB/GYN for the stress test, and I guess I find it strange they would do a cardiac stress test there. My baby has also turned to the breech position so I'm not sure if that's a factor or not. This is my fourth pregnancy but I feel like it's my first.