NST question!

gracefullywild · August 2012

I'm 31 weeks, turning 32 weeks Thursday. Next Thursday when I turn 33 weeks I have my first NST. I just wondered if anyone could tell me what to expect. I know my doctor said I get hooked up to something and press a button when LO moves and they record his heartrate, I just didn't know how long you do that for or if it's intense or anything. Once I'm 32 weeks I have to have two NST a week until delivery. That seems like a lot to me, is that normal? Sorry FTM here! Thanks!

Kie310 · August 2012

They wrap a monitor around your belly. Give you the buzzer. Every time you feel baby kick/move you hit the buzzer. That's really it. They are looking for an X number of movements (I don't remember what it is). I "cheated" and always drank a can of soda on my way to the test. They wanted me hooked up at least 10 minutes. I never was there longer than 20 minute minutes. Most of the time I got my count in under 10 minutes. (I started 2x a week at 32 weeks, I was induced at 37 weeks).

I plan to do the same this time around! (assuming I will have to get NSTs again).

MIne started because of GD, then I ended up with pre-e, so they were 2 fold.

heatherjh · August 2012

We had to have twice weekly NST's, and weekly Bio physical, plus regular OB appointment for my whole 3rd tri, due to low fluid. I'm not sure if you're in a similar situation. I didn't have any issues with my first preg, so it was a new expierence for me to have to have all this monitoring for this last one. It's about 20 min, but I'd block out at least an hour-they wanted to monitor me longer or sometimes they just ran behind I was told to eat before my NST, and I sang to her while hooked up, made the time pass by and she seemed to respond to it GL and congrats early

LexiSophie55 · August 2012

Thanks for asking this.

I start doing them this week as well. I am on the lower end for fluid (9-10) and showing slight cord resistance. I've been told that every hospital does them differently, so it might not be exactly like others have posted.

I was wondering about the eating and drinking a pop though. Is it really cheating? This baby isn't short on movement, but it definitely increases after some sugar. I was debating on what to do.

I was instructed to drink OJ before my 7am u/s tomorrow - as the past few weeks the baby has still been sleeping.

Kadyra · August 2012

Eating and drinking sugary stuff before an NST isn't cheating. If your baby moves around a lot in response to that glucose load, it's a good and normal response.

In an NST, they're not looking for the number of movements in your baby. They are looking at the variations in heart rate in association with movement. If the heart rate goes down (a "decel") with a movement, they have something to further investigate. if the heart rate goes up in response to a movement (an "accel"), this is a good thing and means baby is developing and functioning normally. They look for an acceleration of 15bpm that lasts for 15 seconds (a 15x15). A baby must have two of these in 10 minutes in order to get what's called a "reactive" NST when it's 32+ weeks. Before 32 weeks, 10x10's are sufficient.

TwiggyPlusOne · August 2012

Kadyra:
Eating and drinking sugary stuff before an NST isn't cheating. If your baby moves around a lot in response to that glucose load, it's a good and normal response.

this. I've been doing 2 NST's and 1 doppler u/s a week, plus 1 growth scan every 2 weeks since 29w and I always eat something before I go in. If DD isn't feeling it that day, the nurse gives me a small can of apple juice and it works like a charm. It really is not that bad, it can just take a while if your LO is being sluggish. As PP's said, they just give you a buzzer, place two paddles on your bump, and then you wait for a movement and click your buzzer. Takes about 20-40 mins sitting in a comfy recliner. I try and soak up all the quiet, peaceful time I can - when she gets here I doubt I'll have 40 mins of complete relaxation for a while (or at least so says my mother) lol

moonrose2715 · August 2012

I've never had a buzzer. In both my first pg and this one they hook me up to the fetal heart rate monitor and contraction monitor just bands on your belly and you sit there. They are looking for normal hr accelerations and no decelerations below clear base rate. They also check fluid levels and position each time with ultrasound. Took me 45 mins start to finish today and they had a ton of ?s since it was my first one.

tammy41208 · August 2012

I get them twice a week. I haven't been given a buzzer either. I just hang out there for 20 mins, listen to his little heart and make small talk with the girl. She watches her machine and if he's sleeping to much she gives my belly alittle squeeze or zaps my belly with this zapper thing.

Angelzkisses · August 2012

When I was going to NST twice a week with DD I wasn't given a buzzer either to keep track of her movements. I was going for preterm labor, and was going being monitored for contractions. They of course monitored the baby's movements as well which came in handy since I had an anterior placenta. Thankfully they only had to use the little buzzer to wake her up and get her to move around once. I wasn't happy they used that either, because as soon as they did her heart rate shot up and they wouldn't let me go because it was to high.

Drink a soda or surgery drink before you go (like PP's have said), this way you may be able to avoid startling the baby with that darned buzzer.

Oh and enjoy the NST sessions, I loved them, and look forward to them this time as well starting at 28 weeks.

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