GD- how routine are NST?

mandyhall2882

Starting on July 4th, I will go in to have a NTS done twice a week. I'm just wondering how routine NST are for women with GD? I assume that it's standard procedure, but then again some ladies are having ultrasounds and I won't be having any done.

Thanks for your input! 

lovelyophelia

Starting at 32 weeks, I will have NSTs done twice a week and a Biophysical profile (BPP) once a week. My understanding is this is standard because they need to check if the placenta is working effectively and if baby is distressed.

chloe071603

I was diagnosed with GD last week (at close to 31 weeks).  I asked about the NST & ultrasounds  (I am an ultrasound tech myself).

My MFM told me that as long as I'm controlling well with diet, I will not be getting any NST or BPP.  They want me back for one growth scan, but not until 38 weeks.  This will all change if I end up needing oral meds or insulin.  (The baby is currently measuring in the 38% percentile, so she's on the smaller side). 

I admit I was a bit bummed & relieved at the same time.  I don't really have tons of time to be going to a million extra appointments, but I'd also like to check up on her a little more frequently.  Oh well, it is what it is. 

heie0008

I started weekly NSTs and BPPs at week 34...they bumped the NSTs up to twice a week for the last two weeks of my pregnancy, Overall, NSTs are really tame and not at all invasive...I like that they gave me reassurance that the baby was doing well

memali26

With DD I had NSTs and BPPs weekly from 34 weeks until delivery. I was on insulin, so it was their standard practice to monitor the baby more closely. Had I been diet controlled I probably would have had one NST every two weeks and only one BPP/growth u/s.

This time I'm at a new OB practice and when I asked about extra monitoring they said it depends on the med situation. I've since been put on insulin at bedtime and before every meal, so when I go back in a few weeks I'll be asking about extra monitoring again so we can start scheduling.

tawillers

I started weekly NSTs at 34 weeks - I started seeing my doctor weekly by that point anyway.  All you do is push a button when your LO moves and it makes a mark on the paper under the heart beat read out.  Very simple.  So far the longest I've been on the machine is 20 minutes, which is my doc's minimum time (LO always moves a lot while we're there).

ohfour

I am diet and exercise controlled, and at 36 weeks I will be starting bi-weekly NST and checking amniotic fluid 1x per week (no BPP talk yet).

ETA: I had a growth u/s at 32 weeks and if baby was measuring big we would have started the NSTs immediately. However, she was just avg size.

Cali1012

I've been having weekly NSTs at 34 weeks at each prenatal appt. I won't be having any ultrasounds done - they said only if I failed my NSTs. The minimum time I have to be hooked up to the machine is about 15 minutes. The last 2 times LO was not into moving, so I was on the machine for longer- 20-25 minutes each time. I'm diet controlled and measuring on the smaller side - they've allowed me to increase my food intake since both the baby and I need to gain a bit more weight.

katiewhompus

They seem pretty standard. At my GD class we were told to expect twice weekly NSTs starting at 32 weeks and additional ultrasounds. Since my GD has been controlled by diet my OB is having me do an ultrasound/NST on Monday (I've been measuring on the small side so she wants to make sure everything is good/how accurate the measurements have been) but that will probably be the only one.

MsShib

I started NSTs twice a week at 34 weeks, and every time I go they do a quick US to check fluid levels. At my hospital it is pretty standard to do this when you're diagnosed with GD.

TigerLily084

I'm 31 weeks and go for an u/s every two weeks now. If baby doesn't move enough during the u/s, doc will have me do an NST at that visit. That gets bumped up to once a week at 34 weeks, assuming all goes well and I am still diet and exercise controlled.