non stress test?

cicon · 03-18-2005, 04:50 PM

Hi everyone

I'm now 31 wks pregnant and am wondering how many of you have had non stress tests and how often, and at how many wks. I am a "high risk" in that I've had several miscarriages, have an incomp. cervix, and am on a daily blood thinner (Lovenox) due to an inherited clotting disorder. My OB thinks there is no need for non stress tests while I have heard of high risk people getting them weekly. Any insight as to the benefits to doing the test as well as your knowledge of them would be great. I'm having a hard time convincing my Dr.

Thanks
Cynthia

wintak · 03-22-2005, 05:38 PM

Never had one, but I know I"m considered High risk simply because of my age. I know they talked about it once, but being only 1/2 way through the pregnancy, it's not an issue at this point.

Let us know if you get one or not

Amy

hmp · 03-24-2005, 11:41 AM

Hi - I have 2 NST's every week, I am currently 32 weeks and started the 2x per week last week. I am high risk due to a previous stillborn. I also take baby aspirin everyday. It is comforting for me because it tracks the baby's movement and if you are having contractions. It really gives me peace of mind and the Dr. then can rate the baby as "reactive or reassuring" and you can watch the heartrate increase and decrease as they move around in there.
Let me know if you need any other info.

Hilary

LeslieT · 03-25-2005, 05:12 PM

Starting next week (at 33.5 weeks) I'll be doing an NST and fluid check once a week, but I'm also high-risk for advanced maternal age (40) which is the main reason. Nothing came up on the 32 week ultrasound to indicate worry...fluid levels fine, heartbeat fine...but they want to be safe considering my age. I've also had 3 previous miscarriages (1st trimester) and am on Folgard & baby aspirin for slightly elevated homocysteine levels (causes clotting problems).

Do you mind my asking how old you are? If you're in your 20s or early/mid 30s, maybe that's why he doesn't think the weekly NSTs and fluid checks are needed? You might want to get a 2nd opinion from a peri, just to be sure they're not needed. If you're upper-30s or over, with your other difficulties, I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion.

LynnUS · 03-28-2005, 08:15 AM

I had them 2x/wk w/DD starting at 32 weeks and will again this time around. I am now 42 with preventive cerclage, immune issues and a previous 22 wk loss--so very high risk.

I think it would be beneficial for you to have them at least 1x/wk.

Lynn
9yrs ttc#1 "unexplained"
4 first tri angels
Gordon Edward, b/d 8/20/92 @ 22wks
3 yrs ttc#2
4 more first tri angels
dx: immune issues, suspected IC
currently pg on a natural cycle w/immune meds

justpatty · 04-04-2005, 06:25 PM

I have never had one. My last pregnancy was at 43, I was not considered high risk(my dr says age alone does not make it a high risk pregnancy..you are only at a higher risk for the baby to have a cromosonal abnormality) This pregnancy at 46 I amconsidered high risk because I developed HELLP and Pre-e at 35 weeks last time. I am currently at 27 weeks and everything is going great. They have never mentioned a NST.
Patty

LeslieT · 04-05-2005, 04:57 AM

Justpatty, I'm a little worried that your OB didn't consider you high-risk at 43, and seems to be taking a pretty laid-back approach with your pregnancy at 46. It's absolutely none of my business and I hesitate to even say anything, but I'm worried. For example, one of the things that us older moms are at higher risk for is pre-eclampsia, which is exactly what you had an issue with last time, and HELLP is very serious. Yet he didn't think you were at high risk for anything.

It sounds like you really like him and don't want to switch, but maybe you could go for a consult with a peri as well? My peri is the one who wanted me on the NST/fluid checks due to my age. No issues presenting themselves, just wanted to make sure things were OK since they can go south fast at our age, and much better safe than sorry. My cousin's wife, who is 39 years old, was doing NST/fluid checks starting at 33 weeks with her peri due to her age as well, and at 37 week check they found out she suddenly had really low amniotic fluid for some unexplained reason. No signs of it except for that weekly check. If the pregnancy had gone on for a week or two, the baby could have had damage. They quickly delivered her the next day, and wouldn't have known about it without the checks.

Again, this is just to say I'm worried about you, we ARE at higher risk for a variety of issues due to our age, and I'm hoping they make sure to monitor things closely enough for you.

picklejuice · 04-05-2005, 08:23 AM

From what I understand about Non-stress tests, they are used in conditions that affect the placenta health. Like Diabetes, high Blood pressure. I have Gestational diabetes and my peri explained to me what the test is used for. I hope this sheds some light on why or why not the test is ordered.

Good luck
Liz

justpatty · 04-06-2005, 06:35 PM

Leslie,
Yes, they are considering me a high risk with this pregnancy at 46. Because of the Pre-e and HELLP with last pregnancy. I have an appt. with a maternal fetal medical group on Monday. They will be checking my placenta for any changes that could signal the start of Pre-E. I also check my blood pressure regularly, it has been a pretty steady 110/60. I did not develope the pre-e or HELLP untill week 35 with my last pregnancy at 43. At that time, they did an emergency c-secton(baby was breach) and I had a very healthy 7 lb 5 oz baby boy. They are watching me closely now. I am a healthy, very strong 46 year old, and I really try not to worry too much about what could happen. If a problem developes, I feel confident that my Dr. will do what is best for my situation.
Patty

03-18-2005, 04:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
cicon Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: boston Posts: 247	non stress test? Hi everyone I'm now 31 wks pregnant and am wondering how many of you have had non stress tests and how often, and at how many wks. I am a "high risk" in that I've had several miscarriages, have an incomp. cervix, and am on a daily blood thinner (Lovenox) due to an inherited clotting disorder. My OB thinks there is no need for non stress tests while I have heard of high risk people getting them weekly. Any insight as to the benefits to doing the test as well as your knowledge of them would be great. I'm having a hard time convincing my Dr. Thanks Cynthia

03-24-2005, 11:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
hmp 200-299 post 4 of hearts Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 293 Blog Entries: 9	Hi - I have 2 NST's every week, I am currently 32 weeks and started the 2x per week last week. I am high risk due to a previous stillborn. I also take baby aspirin everyday. It is comforting for me because it tracks the baby's movement and if you are having contractions. It really gives me peace of mind and the Dr. then can rate the baby as "reactive or reassuring" and you can watch the heartrate increase and decrease as they move around in there. Let me know if you need any other info. Hilary __________________ DD 28 weeks, 12/26/03 DS 4/20/05

03-28-2005, 08:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
LynnUS Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Long Grove, IL Posts: 3,445	I had them 2x/wk w/DD starting at 32 weeks and will again this time around. I am now 42 with preventive cerclage, immune issues and a previous 22 wk loss--so very high risk. I think it would be beneficial for you to have them at least 1x/wk. Lynn 9yrs ttc#1 "unexplained" 4 first tri angels Gordon Edward, b/d 8/20/92 @ 22wks 3 yrs ttc#2 4 more first tri angels dx: immune issues, suspected IC currently pg on a natural cycle w/immune meds __________________ JAK, 7/28/05 MAK, 6/25/01

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03-22-2005, 05:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
wintak 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 4,043	Never had one, but I know I"m considered High risk simply because of my age. I know they talked about it once, but being only 1/2 way through the pregnancy, it's not an issue at this point. Let us know if you get one or not Amy

03-25-2005, 05:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
LeslieT 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,608	Starting next week (at 33.5 weeks) I'll be doing an NST and fluid check once a week, but I'm also high-risk for advanced maternal age (40) which is the main reason. Nothing came up on the 32 week ultrasound to indicate worry...fluid levels fine, heartbeat fine...but they want to be safe considering my age. I've also had 3 previous miscarriages (1st trimester) and am on Folgard & baby aspirin for slightly elevated homocysteine levels (causes clotting problems). Do you mind my asking how old you are? If you're in your 20s or early/mid 30s, maybe that's why he doesn't think the weekly NSTs and fluid checks are needed? You might want to get a 2nd opinion from a peri, just to be sure they're not needed. If you're upper-30s or over, with your other difficulties, I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion.

04-04-2005, 06:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
justpatty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 70	I have never had one. My last pregnancy was at 43, I was not considered high risk(my dr says age alone does not make it a high risk pregnancy..you are only at a higher risk for the baby to have a cromosonal abnormality) This pregnancy at 46 I amconsidered high risk because I developed HELLP and Pre-e at 35 weeks last time. I am currently at 27 weeks and everything is going great. They have never mentioned a NST. Patty

04-05-2005, 04:57 AM	#7 (permalink)
LeslieT 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,608	Justpatty, I'm a little worried that your OB didn't consider you high-risk at 43, and seems to be taking a pretty laid-back approach with your pregnancy at 46. It's absolutely none of my business and I hesitate to even say anything, but I'm worried. For example, one of the things that us older moms are at higher risk for is pre-eclampsia, which is exactly what you had an issue with last time, and HELLP is very serious. Yet he didn't think you were at high risk for anything. It sounds like you really like him and don't want to switch, but maybe you could go for a consult with a peri as well? My peri is the one who wanted me on the NST/fluid checks due to my age. No issues presenting themselves, just wanted to make sure things were OK since they can go south fast at our age, and much better safe than sorry. My cousin's wife, who is 39 years old, was doing NST/fluid checks starting at 33 weeks with her peri due to her age as well, and at 37 week check they found out she suddenly had really low amniotic fluid for some unexplained reason. No signs of it except for that weekly check. If the pregnancy had gone on for a week or two, the baby could have had damage. They quickly delivered her the next day, and wouldn't have known about it without the checks. Again, this is just to say I'm worried about you, we ARE at higher risk for a variety of issues due to our age, and I'm hoping they make sure to monitor things closely enough for you.

04-05-2005, 08:23 AM	#8 (permalink)
picklejuice Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 332	From what I understand about Non-stress tests, they are used in conditions that affect the placenta health. Like Diabetes, high Blood pressure. I have Gestational diabetes and my peri explained to me what the test is used for. I hope this sheds some light on why or why not the test is ordered. Good luck Liz

04-06-2005, 06:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
justpatty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 70	Leslie, Yes, they are considering me a high risk with this pregnancy at 46. Because of the Pre-e and HELLP with last pregnancy. I have an appt. with a maternal fetal medical group on Monday. They will be checking my placenta for any changes that could signal the start of Pre-E. I also check my blood pressure regularly, it has been a pretty steady 110/60. I did not develope the pre-e or HELLP untill week 35 with my last pregnancy at 43. At that time, they did an emergency c-secton(baby was breach) and I had a very healthy 7 lb 5 oz baby boy. They are watching me closely now. I am a healthy, very strong 46 year old, and I really try not to worry too much about what could happen. If a problem developes, I feel confident that my Dr. will do what is best for my situation. Patty