When did you start having NST's?

TeacherTiff · November 2011

My OB told me today that starting at 28 weeks I'll have twice-weekly NST's. This seems a little overboard to me because I'm already seeing him every other week as well as having ultrasounds with the MFM every other week (alternating weeks). Is this just normal twin protocol?

(Of course, I want to do everything to make sure they're healthy... I just didn't know if this was "normal" or not).

macchiatto · November 2011

I actually, as far as I know, never had one. I started having appts once a week from 30w on. I had a BPP (but just the u/s part; no NST) every week and a growth scan every other week up until delivery at 37w6d. It seems like I'm the only MoM who never had one.

But I switched practices at 31w and neither practice thought they were necessary. I had an uncomplicated di/di pregnancy though; not sure under what circumstances they do NSTs.

Jen0204 · November 2011

I had one a few weeks ago when I was getting pretty regular pains that hey were worried could be contractions, but other then that I haven't had one and they haven't mentioned scheduling one. My OB has her multiples go to L&D for them, so I hope I don't have to!

For reference, I have mo/di twins, I've been on bed rest due to a shortened cervix since 26 weeks, I see my OB every week (starting this week, before that it was every other week), and my MFM for an u/s every other week.

ddub09 · November 2011

I started my twice weekly NSTs at 34 weeks with my MFM.

TeacherTiff · November 2011

Strange! As far as I know, there is no reason for him to want the extra monitoring. My BP has been fine, and the babies are measuring together and ahead of schedule with good fluid levels. Oh well, I guess I'll ask at my next appointment if that's his normal routine or if something is up that he didn't mention. Thanks ladies!

Jen0204 · November 2011

TeacherTiff:
Strange! As far as I know, there is no reason for him to want the extra monitoring. My BP has been fine, and the babies are measuring together and ahead of schedule with good fluid levels. Oh well, I guess I'll ask at my next appointment if that's his normal routine or if something is up that he didn't mention. Thanks ladies!

From what I've read on here it seems like its a pretty common thing for doctors to order and could very well just be a difference in each practice's preference. I just don't want you to worry that something could be wrong that he hasn't mentioned!

reillyroowho · November 2011

I would only complain about less monitoring. It is good that you have a vigilant doctor!!

hayleydeee · November 2011

When I was in the hospital with preterm labor for five days they did one every shift change. Since Ive bee released it's been once a week during regular office visits.

blondek8 · November 2011

I never had one.

Mom2A&E · November 2011

I started twice weekly NST with the MFM at 32 weeks even while I was on modified bedrest. Even if I had not developed Pre-e they would have done them anyway. It is standard protcol for multiples at my OBGYN. These were in addition to having monthly u/s with the MFM starting at 18 weeks. Plus I was seeing my regular OB once a week.

KarliB84 · November 2011

I started having weekly NST's at 32 weeks. From what I thought it was normal protocol since I didn't have any other risk factors besides them being twins.

kthappy76 · November 2011

I started weekly (though I did have two last wk) @ 32 wks. Like many things, I think it just depends on your OB. I also have weekly cervical checks. GL!

violaplayer · November 2011

Twice a week at 31w.

ColleenS629 · November 2011

I think it's different since my twins were di/di but I was supposed to start NSTs at 34 weeks. I ended up starting twice weekly NSTs at 32 weeks because of the growth discordance.

KelinandKevin · November 2011

My OB wants to do them weekly (or twice a week depending) starting 28 weeks.

kiwi443 · November 2011

I'll be starting weekly NSTs at 30 weeks.

Chibaby26 · November 2011

Starting weekly at 32 weeks.

BudgetBride04 · November 2011

Chibaby26:
Starting weekly at 32 weeks.

This. And I thought it was overkill until that's how they discovered that I was developing pre-eclampsia at 36 weeks and my boys were delivered that day. So I guess my doctor did know what he was doing!

Rangergal9 · November 2011

I only had 1 NST done and that was only when Baby B's hearbeat was irregular during an u/s. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have had one.

alindt · November 2011

I haven't had an NST yet. I am now going to the MFM weekly for BPPs and they do growth scans every other week. The MFM explained to me that if the twins passed the BPP test, then it meant they were ok for at least another week, but NSTs can only tell you if the babies are going to be ok for the next few days, so maybe it's just their way of cutting back on how many appointments I have. Like, they only do NSTs if they fail the BPP.