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Nonstress Tests??

chris&kendra1chris&kendra1 member
in Natural Birth

I've seen a lot of people here with some very good background knowledge, including some nurses, midwives, and OBs. I'm hoping I can get some advice.

Here's my situation. I'll try to make it short and sweet. I failed my 1 hour glucose test by a few points. When trying to take the 3 hour, I threw up. I decided to opt out of attempting the 3 hour again and use a glucometer to test at home. I did two weeks straight, 4 times a day, and occasional testing since. The highest number I EVER had (2 hours after a meal) was 125, and that was one time only. I also did an A1C which came back good. I have gained 30 lbs this pregnancy (I'm almost 37 weeks) and baby is measuring on track.

Now, all that said, the Ob-Gyn in the practice wants to put me on twice weekly nonstress tests and have another ultrasound to "keep a closer eye on me". Basically they are doing this because although they admit I most likely do not have GD, they don't have a confirmation test that says "I don't have it".

My problem is the nonstress tests are quite stressful to me. I am working full time so it's almost impossible to fit them into my schedule. Also, I'm concerned that about the possibility that they may lead to further interventions, such as an induction.

So, ladies, what do you all think of my situation or what advice can you give me?

Thanks in advance!

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Re: Nonstress Tests??

  • alanapalanap

    I am not a nurse, midwive, or OB...just a natural birth momma so you can take my advice for what is is worth.

    I am extremely biased against OBs in general and feel that they way overemphasize caution for two reasons: more intervention equals more money and potentially more control (because if they find something wrong, they get to say when/how you have your baby).

     Sorry for the extreme pessimism.  =)

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  • chris&kendra1chris&kendra1 member
    imagealanap:

    I am not a nurse, midwive, or OB...just a natural birth momma so you can take my advice for what is is worth.

    I am extremely biased against OBs in general and feel that they way overemphasize caution for two reasons: more intervention equals more money and potentially more control (because if they find something wrong, they get to say when/how you have your baby).

     Sorry for the extreme pessimism.  =)

    No need to apologize, at this point I feel the same way! That is why I chose to see a midwife in this group practice (2 obs, 2 midwives). The problem is the OBs are required to "oversee" all the files, and she has made these suggestions. My midwife doesn't seem concerned about me having GD and never mentioned these tests. I just had to meet with the OB (you have to meet with everyone in the practice once, just in case) at my last visit. She is the one who told me I was supposed to be doing these tests, etc. I haven't had a chance to talk to my midwife about it because I don't meet with her again until next week. I just wanted to get some input from the moms on this board before I visit with her :)

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  • judahsmommy1judahsmommy1
    I think with what you described I would feel comfortable declining the non-stress tests. Have you asked specifically what they are looking for on the ultrasound? And is it one ultrasound or are they wanting to do them weekly? Have you talked with your midwife about what happens if you decline them? I'm just wondering if you will limit her ability to care for you (your case taken over more by the OB) if you decline what the OB has suggested. I think I would have a long discussion with your midwife about what they are looking for, what they expect to see, and how they would handle various results before consenting to the procedures.
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  • chris&kendra1chris&kendra1 member

    imagejudahsmommy1:
    I think with what you described I would feel comfortable declining the non-stress tests. Have you asked specifically what they are looking for on the ultrasound? And is it one ultrasound or are they wanting to do them weekly? Have you talked with your midwife about what happens if you decline them? I'm just wondering if you will limit her ability to care for you (your case taken over more by the OB) if you decline what the OB has suggested. I think I would have a long discussion with your midwife about what they are looking for, what they expect to see, and how they would handle various results before consenting to the procedures.

    The ultrasound is to check baby's size. Since they "can't confirm" that I do not have GD, they are worried about a big baby. It is just one ultrasound at 38 weeks. I haven't had the chance to discuss any of this with my midwife yet, but I will definitely be inquiring as to what options I have and what would happen if I were to decline. Thanks for your tips!

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  • nosoup4unosoup4u member

    I would turn them down, considering you followed up after the 1 hour glucose test. Just explain your reasoning and stay firm when you say "no". Be prepared to sign an AMA form, too. hth

    ETA: Does your ultimately MW decide what care you will receive? If so, I would just run it by her and ignore the OB. Different providers have different ideas of what needs to be done. And I would outright refuse a late sizing u/s, but I've had bad experiences with them.

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    DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)

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  • badbrideybadbridey member
    Even if you did have GD, I don't think it would be necessary to have the NSTs.  I had GD, which was completely diet controlled, and I didn't have any NSTs until I passed my due date. I did have a growth US at about 39 weeks, and my LO was measuring at 8.5 lbs.  I gave birth at 41 1/2 weeks, and my LO weighed 7lbs. 3oz....so in my experience, those things aren't necessarily accurate. 
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  • chris&kendra1chris&kendra1 member
    imagenosoup4u:

    I would turn them down, considering you followed up after the 1 hour glucose test. Just explain your reasoning and stay firm when you say "no". Be prepared to sign an AMA form, too. hth

    ETA: Does your ultimately MW decide what care you will receive? If so, I would just run it by her and ignore the OB. Different providers have different ideas of what needs to be done. And I would outright refuse a late sizing u/s, but I've had bad experiences with them.

    I'm not positive, but I believe the OBs have to sign off on whatever medical advice or care is given. So, I guess in that sense, the midwife doesn't technically have the "final say", but with that said, my impression is that she doesn't find all this necessary (considering she has never even mentioned it). I am definitely prepared to sign a form. I am so over this! I don't personally have an objection to a late sizing u/s, but I am curious what bad experiences you have had?

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