Tests, tests, and more tests

avansch

I am curious what tests others on here are needing to have performed while pregnant.

I'm 39, high(er) risk (tend to have higher blood pressure) and am at 34 weeks.

I am having to do non-stress tests twice a week, see my PCP every other week and they now want me to get an amniotic fluid index check every week.

While I'm all for making sure our baby's doing great, I'm feeling like this might be excessive. Please let me know if you're having to do the same or similar or if this is unique to me....

TIA!

2redtulips

I am also at 34 weeks, and I haven't (yet) had to do those tests. However, I was admitted to the hospital at 32 weeks for vaginal bleeding and they did a complete u/s, so maybe that's why.

If you're considered higher risk, I am sure that's why they are doing the testing. A little more information never hurts, right?

2redtulips

For the amniotic fluid, was it measuring high or low at a previous appt.?

avansch

@2redtulips - It was normal, but it's been a little while (end of May). There's no reason I'm aware of that they're concerned about it. At least it's non-invasive! 

lcwed

As soon as I was diagnosed with high BP at 34 weeks I went in weekly for a stress test and BP check. Stress tests are actually pretty cool. They strap one of those monitors to your belly and you get to rest for a bit. I always brought my Nook. If baby isn't real active they may even give you juice. The fluid level monitoring is done by ultrasound so you will get to see your baby.

avansch

@lcwed - Thank you for replying. I do enjoy the non-stress tests - a nice 30 minute break in my day where I just get to read.  

Right now, I'm most dreading the medical bill...

Klavanga74

My Dr. told me that I will have to have non-stress tests weekly starting at 36 weeks.  I am not high risk and actually have very low blood pressure.  She said it's standard if you are going to be close to 40 at time of delivery.

MrsDL

I had my first at 36 (39) with this one.  I had no complications, but they still had me go in (I think starting 36 weeks, for weekly NSTs and amniotic level index although nothing was wrong.  DS was late - 41 weeks and I showed no signs of progression (still only 1/2 cm when I went into labor), so they had me come in for this stuff TWICE a week (PIA time suck) starting at I think 39 weeks - so for the last two weeks. The way I looked at it was better safe than sorry.

Some physicians are cautious and so this with AMA regardless of other complications.  My insurance did pay for it all, if most of it wasn't covered I may have asked if it was really necessary, or at least if the frequency was necessary.  

avansch

@MrsDL Agree about it being a PIA time suck! Since I'm at 36 weeks now, I have to go in weekly to see my doctor as well - that makes 4 appointments per week, which is really eating into my work schedule. SO thankful my co-workers and boss are sympathetic! Found out the NSTs are getting billed under surgery, since that's where the code falls, which means it's not covered by insurance, per se. Gets billed at $166 a visit. OUCH! They also don't tend to completely cover the ultrasounds, so the AFI checks are going to get pricey, too.