That much testing? Really? (3rd tri)

naturalarmygirl · May 2014

I'm 43 and due at the end of July. My midwife just told me that from 36 weeks on I have to go in twice a week for ultrasounds and non-stress tests. I have NO other risk factors except my age. My health is excellent, I exercise, I've gained a reasonable amount of weight, my blood pressure is fine, no signs of preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes. Has anyone fought this successfully? If she could show me the science justifying this level of intervention sheerly based on age I'd react differently. But the science isn't there. Just a whole lot of fear of litigation, I think. I'd love to hear from other people. I'm a tad frazzled over this.

Pinkmom19 · May 2014

I'm 40 (will be 41 when lo is born) and on #6. I have all the same risk factors as you and my OB hasn't required anything additional. Even said barring no changes I can fly up until 36 weeks. I think some docs are overly cautious.

naturalarmygirl · May 2014

wow, seriously. I felt like my value as a mother was being questioned. I went entirely the alternative route with my first two, and have only done conventional medicine due to looking for back up for my homebirth and to manage genetic testing. Glad to hear they're not all that over-reactive.

harmonicbabe26 · May 2014

I had my 1st at 33 and yes it is stadard procedure to have an appt every 2 weeks towards the end. If there some other factors, even weekly. Nothing to do with age. Not sure what a non-stress test is, but regular visits yes, every 2 weeks is normal.

moroccojade · May 2014

@harmonicbabe26 - OP is not concerned about regular appointments every two weeks... she is bothered by TWO ultrasounds and NSTs per week from 36 weeks on. (Which sounds like pure insanity to me.) Technically that could mean a dozen US from weeks 36-42. Crazy!

I would politely say "no thank you" over and over again until there is a reason to get them.

harmonicbabe26 · May 2014

@moroccojade‌ yup I had u/s towards the end at each appt. DD was breech and they were checking her position and fluid. Maybe that was the reason for lots of ultrasounds.
Is the other test invasive? The name doesn't imply so but then I said I didn't know what it was so who knows...

moroccojade · May 2014

harmonicbabe26 said:

@moroccojade‌ yup I had u/s towards the end at each appt. DD was breech and they were checking her position and fluid. Maybe that was the reason for lots of ultrasounds. Is the other test invasive? The name doesn't imply so but then I said I didn't know what it was so who knows...

So they had a good reason to do your US at the end. (And was it two per week? Or just every two weeks? Big difference IMO).

NSTs aren't invasive, really, but they are a pain. They would eat up two half days a week for @naturalarmygirl if the MW gets her way. (Some don't like that the babies are poked and prodded a fair bit during some of those appointments.)

harmonicbabe26 · May 2014

moroccojade said:

harmonicbabe26 said:

@moroccojade‌ yup I had u/s towards the end at each appt. DD was breech and they were checking her position and fluid. Maybe that was the reason for lots of ultrasounds.
Is the other test invasive? The name doesn't imply so but then I said I didn't know what it was so who knows...

So they had a good reason to do your US at the end. (And was it two per week? Or just every two weeks? Big difference IMO).

NSTs aren't invasive, really, but they are a pain. They would eat up two half days a week for @naturalarmygirl if the MW gets her way. (Some don't like that the babies are poked and prodded a fair bit during some of those appointments.)

Ha! I guess i should have my coffee first and then read stuff... I thought she said every 2 weeks :P
One thing to keep in mind - whatever they do is for the safety and health of the baby so often we need to put our own likes and preferences aside and do as doctor orders... Baby is more important.

Krisd6 · May 2014

I am 38 and pregnant with my first. I am 38 weeks along right now...I haven't had any ultrasounds since I was 28 weeks (and that was due to cramping) and before that my anatomy scan at 20. My OB said they do not do them unless they are concerned. She does not initiate too much testing. Perhaps your MD is just cautious. Do not worry about it.....I am sure everything will be fine!

I am jealous- I would love to see the baby more often!

wildflower75 · May 2014

I had to go twice a week but I thought it was because of my age (at the time I was 37) and GD...? Everything else was fine. It was a big hassle, time consuming and tiring but also made me totally reassured that everything was fine with the baby.

Not sure what will happen this time around, I am really hoping NOT to have GD!

2redtulips · May 2014

Twice a week seems really excessive to me, although I don't have any personal experience or insight to share. I'd push back and see where that gets you.

nikkiuk · May 2014

43 here too and booked in for a CS on 14th July. I do have one ultrasound in June but that's due to a big fibroid and my son was IUGR so it's certainly needed. No mention of any other testing has been made, in fact all that has been said to me is that they will see me every two weeks from now on and I have to see all the docs in turn.

HTBaby13 · May 2014

It might have to do with a statistical increase in placenta degenerating as you approach 40 weeks with advanced maternal age . I would try not to take it personally. And just think you're keeping your Baby safe .

danieleandwayne · May 2014

I had a two vessel umbilical cord with dd (whom I delivered when I was 38) and I had an US every week for the last 4-6 weeks to check on growth and placental integrity. Which was reasonable to me. But two a week? That seems excessive unless there's something else going on that they would need to monitor (placenta previa, heart defect, etc.).

fromvatobk · May 2014

Check with your midwife to see if she is just telling you what is advised or if she is really stuck on you actually doing all of that. My midwife offers me all the testing options but is generally fine with me refusing stuff that is not absolutely medically necessary. She actually told me that she thinks the ACOG is eventually going to reverse the recommendations for extra ultrasounds and NSTs for older moms as unnecessary and she won't make me do that. Best wishes for a successful pregnancy.

springbeduk2 · May 2014

fromvatobk said:
Check with your midwife to see if she is just telling you what is advised or if she is really stuck on you actually doing all of that. My midwife offers mean all the testing options but is generally fine with me refusing stuff that is not absolutely medically necessary. She actually told me that she thinks the ACOG is eventually going to reverse the recommendations for extra ultrasounds and NSTs for older moms as unnecessary and she won't make me do that. Best wishes for a successful pregnancy.

This plus what @HTbaby13 said. My midwives passed along recommendations from MFM for weekly BPP after I think 32 weeks and monthly growth scans before due to being 39 which apparently means really AMA not just normal AMA. But would have let us decline or just do some of them. A you should be able to ask for explanations and alternate options. Health of baby is important but less maternal stress is a factor in that and twice a week is a lot!

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