NST visit woes

[_ktg_]

As I am now apparently 41w, I got the pleasure of a non-stress test (NST).

This was the worst visit I have ever had in my doctor's clinic since the wack-a-doo of one for my pre-natal visit.

I had just a BP reading at first, no weight check or urine sample requested (ODD!) and then I got settled into this recliner like chair and hooked up for the readings. I asked if I could sit up and they "frowned" I just didn't want this kid to keep staying the in OP position. They couldn't get a reading so I relented.

So as I am trying to relax with this machine going off next to me (really not relaxing at all!!) all of a sudden a nurse busts in and asks if I had my weight checked when I came in - ummm no? Then she states we'll be doing that, along with a repeat BP as it was a little high for them (130/60 WTF???) So I say ok - with a forced smile. I've had this BP reading before and it was never questioned in the past....

The test went fine, another doctor reviewed the 20 minute strip and said a-OK I guess, otherwise I would have a chat with someone I figured. The lack of information just stunned me, as I'm usually getting more information about things, when I ask, not just a "its fine".

My doc calls in to get the results and finds out I haven't scheduled my induction for this Sunday. The nurse then asks if I'm coming in - I say no. She frowns, and asks when I do plan on coming in. I say Friday, as in next Friday. She looks at my little sheet (not my chart mind you) and is like well that's a little far out as your already 41... duh it puts me at 42 weeks, and babbles how the doc will not be happy with that. (YES I KNOW!!!) :

Then the nurse proceeds to give me her own personal story of her daughter's delivery and how it was 12 days past due and the problems she had.

I just plastered on the ole fake smile and said "thanks for the info, but I know my risks". I also threw in that I would be more than happy to come back for as many NSTs as my doc wanted before Friday. Next NST Tuesday with a chitty chat with my doc afterwards - I can only imagine how that's going to go.

UGH - I just have to vent as this visit sucked beyond belief, all the staff are shocked about how far along I am, and why am I not getting induced...blah, blah blah and aren't I uncomfortable, why am I torturing myself this way...I can't believe, wait I can that hospital professionals would conduct themselves in such a manner. It was like they were preying on my fears, because I was overdue. AWFUL!!

[jr'smom]

Sorry! It's just ridiculous!

To comisserate--
We are planning a HBA2C in a state where it's almost impossible to have a VBAC at all. We've toured the two closest hospitals just in case something happens that requires transfer. I just wanted to know where to enter, where the L/D area was, just the basics. You wouldn't believe the looks and comment, when upon being asked questions that led to us revealing we are planning a homebirth, that we got. They really think it's dangerous! I just inform them that I believe it's safer to be at home and birth vaginally.

With the belief that if we're prepared, we won't need it--we also attempted to pre-register by phone with these hospitals. They were practically rude and could not pre-register us without admitting doctor information. (Also more comments about the "dangers.") Good thing it was my DH on the phone--or I would have let them have it! Does it make any sense that we couldn't pre-register, when if we are coming in, it's definately an emergency situation?!

[_ktg_]

Here's to you on having a successful HBA2C!!! :

That's one thing I'm really glad the nurse didn't see - was my chart where it states my intent to VBAC. I think it would have opened up a whole other can of worms. If my insurance didn't cover this whole thing - I would have gone a different route completely. I'm also really glad she took off all the monitors before we had that little exchange - my little one just did flips in my belly as I had to listen to what she said. and I'm pretty sure my BP shot up too.

The thing that floors me is the hospital I'm delivering at is a teaching hospital!!! I just feel bad that the future OB/GYNs are being taught this crazy fear mongering about being overdue. I just want to scream - the E in EDD is for estimated!!!! ITS A GUESS for goodness sake!

[mclisa]

I've had a number of NST's with my last 3. I guess I lucked out because for the most part they were done in recliners, not the exam table. I got a kick out of hearing my baby's heartbeat for those 20 minutes. And maybe it has to do with the attitude of my doctor's as they were willing to let me keep going as long as baby continued to look OK.

[quietserena]

[MeadowAndColtsMama]

Not advice but I was just thinking. Isn't it odd... with ds I was 21, SO uninformed! But I saw a mw, (hospital delivery) and ds was born exactly 42 weeks, NO mention of induction EVER. With dd, at 39 weeks I was asking about induction. Dh and I were having major difficulties, life was not great, etc. I may have been being hormonal, heehee. It's possible, anyway, the midwife agreed to induce me with, I can't remember what, not Pit though, the day following EDD. And guess what, I had her on my own on EDD. I felt pretty dumb. But whatever... now this pg, seeing an OB, not my choice, just because we've moved, few mw's in area, etc. First visit, she told me she would induce at 39 weeks if I want. By the way, I don't know what I want at this point (37.2 days) My life is much more settled now, thank god. I hope to not go 43 weeks of course. But induction scares me. We'll see. But I was REALLY surprised at how different the attitude was, more than I expected.

Anyway, be tough, hang in there and before you know it you'll have your little one here!

[mamajody]

I am sorry you had such a bad experience at your visit. I have had more than a dozen NST's due to 2 GD pregnancies, and the twins. I just don't know why yours was such a big deal. You go in, you get monitored for 20-30 minutes. You leave. Why the office was such a pain is a mystery.

As for the induction issue, We have to remember, (even when it pisses us off) that THIS community is more well read, and educated about birth issues than the average mama bear. We are the exception to their rules. We want to know test results beyond, "fine". We understand and are interested in what they are saying. We actually read studies and have evidence based questions for them. This is really enjoyable for some doctors, (4 of mine) and alarming to others (2 of mine).

This is also a highly charged medical specialty. High liability, and consumer driven at the same time. It is often hard for the office staff to see that some of us are NOT miserable at 40 weeks gestation, ( and to be honest, how many mamas in THIS DDC were totally miserable by 37 weeks, and turned out to want to go early, or are now on the path to induction. It happens. ). For the most part we aren't interested in convenient birth by induction or scheduling repeat c/s at our first prenatal visit. They don't get it because that is what they see the most of. I just have to laugh every time a nurse freaks out when I refuse the drape for cervical checks. They don't get why I am declining vaginal exams, because most women WANT to know how they are progressing every week. I say, to each their own.

Hopefully just having you as a patient is serving to educate them, and remind them that there are other ways of birthing. I hope your Tuesday appointment is more pleasant. You really don't need that kind of treatment so close to the end of pregnancy. They should know better.