First NST this evening. . . « Back to Group Discussions

[amysue]

I start my twice-weekly NST's this evening.  I'm a little nervous, and I just don't know why. . .I haven't had any other complications other than a low iron level about four weeks ago.  They did them on dd when in was in the hospital before she was born, so I know what to expect. . .

[Monkey Keeper]

NSTs always make me nervous--I think it is a touch of PTSD from my first DD's birth. Perhaps you are feeling that emotional baggage too? It's so hard to relive those scary experiences, even when things are going well. 

[crystal_buffaloe]

((hugs))

[Carlin]

Hope it went well!

[crystal_buffaloe]

How did it go?

[amysue]

It was fine.  I had to stop in the middle and use the restroom, and after that they had trouble getting the monitor in just the right spot again, so it took a little longer than it could have, but results were fine.  All in all, I think it might be a good thing. . . I will at least be more comfortable there when I have the baby and I get to meet some of the nurses before hand.  Going twice a week from now until the baby comes, I should be a fairly familiar face by then!

Another one tomorrow. . .

[Yeeska]

Wow. That sounds pretty inconvenient (though a worthy inconvenience, still inconvenient), but I'm sure you'll be an old hand at NST's by the time the baby comes! I'm not sure if there's something special they're looking for, but I've always found that if I drink something sweet and cold during the NST that it would wake the baby and shorten the test time.

[amysue]

It's a 50 minute drive from home, and I drank ice water on the way over, which explains the having to pee three times in 45 minutes.    Baby was pretty much awake and moving, those kicks sound so loud on the monitor!!  I think all the movement is why they kept losing the heartbeat on the monitor after a while. 

[amysue]

The nurse told me they are looking for a baseline heartrate that is in the normal range and then some variation both above and below the average for at least 15 seconds at a time.  I'm guessing the variations happen during rest and active periods. 

[Monkey Keeper]

Originally Posted by amysue 

The nurse told me they are looking for a baseline heartrate that is in the normal range and then some variation both above and below the average for at least 15 seconds at a time.  I'm guessing the variations happen during rest and active periods. 

Do you have to press the plunger when you feel movement? Mine require that--it marks the strip so that they can see if movement = acceleration. 

So glad everything looked good!  The drive must be a pain, but you're right that you'll be a familiar face.  Maybe you should bring some treats ;)