NST Testing---anyone had to go through it?

starrynite96 · April 2016

I went to my 34 wk check up and was told I was measuring small, at around 30/31 weeks instead of 34. They sent me to the fetal specialist and was told that my LO is only 4 lbs and 2 oz and that I have to come back twice a week for fetal stress tests and that if he hasn't shown any growth strides within 3 weeks, we'll be looking at delivery. I didn't get very big with my daughter and she was 6 lb. 6 oz when she was born at 39 weeks. I'm hoping I just have small babies, but I'm definitely a little freaked out. Anyone else in this boat or have similar experiences?

mcb2016 · April 2016

I've been getting NST weekly since 34 weeks too. I had one today actually. They just monitor the baby for about 20 minutes if the baby is cooperating and look for heart rate accelerations when the baby is moving. Several times my baby has been sleeping and they take this buzzer/viberator type thing and buzz him awake. I really don't like that part. It's like a baby taser. I also have short sonograms to check on the amniotic fluid.

obryana6219 · April 2016

I have NST twice weekly and BPP once a week but for the opposite reason. I'm a type 1 diabetic so LO is big and they want to make sure he can handle the environment. With my last one I had NST twice a week and that's how we found out she wasn't doing well. I had an emergency cesarean that day because they didn't think she'd last through induction. I personally like having them. I get to listen to LO twice a week and it's so reassuring.

Jparke2 · April 2016

I get them every week because my blood pressure spikes due to white coat syndrome when I go to the doctors. Because my BP is actually fine other than when I'm there, my baby is looking good! But the NST is really just reclining for 20 minutes while they strap a couple monitors to your belly to measure your baby's heart rate and movement, I believe

yogahh · April 2016

Jparke2 said:

I get them every week because my blood pressure spikes due to white coat syndrome when I go to the doctors. Because my BP is actually fine other than when I'm there, my baby is looking good! But the NST is really just reclining for 20 minutes while they strap a couple monitors to your belly to measure your baby's heart rate and movement, I believe

Me too!!

I started to get them, along with a growth scan, this week. All due to high BP at the dr office, but totally fine and stable at home. It was actually relaxing to have 20 minutes during the work week to kick back. It is a piece of cake. They check for heart rate and contractions.

dancingsphinx22 · April 2016

April lurker

I have NST weekly due to gestational diabetes.

I think, in my case, it's completely unnecessary, and a waste of time and money.

I say this because there's been nothing wrong with the baby since day one, and she measures perfectly at every appointment. Also, my GD was much better once I stopped eating ice cream and burgers... Yet we have to spend time, gas, and money to see the specialist.

Orignally, they wanted me to go twice a week, with a $50 copay each time. That's $100 a week for at least 6 weeks. Sorry, but c'mon. Im not paying that just to be told what I already know, on top of other copays, the fee to birth at a birth center, baby supplies, etc.

Im sorry this turned into a rant. But when you said you normally give birth to small babies, it reminded me of my situation - My whole pregnancy, the doctors made us worry for nothing (said she didn't have kidneys - she has 2 perfect kidneys, said she's got a small belly - it's fine now, etc), and sometimes I can't help but feel like it's a money making scheme.

I know doctors can be amazing, especially in emergencies. I just think that sometimes, there's a lot of unneccessary procedures when there's no emergency.

Bellodomani · April 2016

I had a lot of NSTs at the end of my last pregnancy for various reasons, they're no big deal. Just bring a book and prepare to relax for a while

Sienna516 · April 2016

I had my 1st NST last week and I'm scheduled for weekly ones b/c of GD. Eli does not like being smushed at all. Like if I tip towards my belly at all while sleeping, he'll start kicking right away. So the NST bands he didn't like and was kicking and shuffling around almost constantly. I was so sleepy during the test too, but he definitely wasn't!

TinaTho · April 2016

I've had quite a few NST's since 20 weeks due to my daughter measuring small in addition to velatomous cord insertion. I also have been going for bi-weekly to weekly sonograms(depends on how they feel) to measure blood flow, fluid and growth. She doesn't like it at all and tends to freak out during it, on the bright side they want to see activity and she never disappoints. I think l have quite a few left until she comes.

It's stressful to go through however I must say when hooked up at the machine I focus on her heartbeat - and it brings me comfort.

starrynite96 · April 2016

Thank you ladies--I appreciate the input. I go for the first test tomorrow and that begins twice a week until delivery. I'm actually looking forward to the kicking back part. With a 5 year old and teaching full time (2 classes being almost all seniors and the shenanigans they bring), I'm looking forward to a break when I can get it!

Want a personalized experience?

NST Testing---anyone had to go through it?

Re: NST Testing---anyone had to go through it?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards