About NST....

I have never had an NST before. I have to go today and have one at 11:20am. What exactly will they be doing and looking for? How long does it usually last? (those who have had one)  Will it also pick up any contractions that I may have? Or just measure the heartrate? Also, I was reading something that said they don't usually perform this test before 28 weeks, is that true? I will be 28 weeks on wednesday, does that really matter at all? This is all new to me.
Thanks!!

[peekawho]

I posted this to you over on 18-34, but I'll put it here, in case anyone else is interested.

Why is it being done?  There isn't much to be gained from it prior to 28 weeks, to be sure.  

What it is, is simply hooking you up to a fetal monitor for about 20-45 minutes.  It should record BOTH your babies heart rate, and contractions.  

They will look for accelerations or speed-ups in the baby's heart rate when the baby moves.  You will usually be instructed to push a button every time you feel the baby move.  This way, the provider reading the test will know if the acceleration is occuring when the baby moves.

The problem is, at this gestational age, it doesn't mean much if you don't see accelerations.  The baby has to have a fairly mature neurological system to have the accelerations when there is movement.  Some babies will; some won't.  It just doesn't mean a whole lot right now.

However, sometimes they will say its an NST, when what they are REALLY looking for are contractions.  This might be the case with you.  They will monitor the baby too, just to be sure there isn't anything overtly worrisome going on.

Good luck!  At least it isn't painful!

[BearHitch]

Peek pretty much covered everything about it - all I have to add is to take something to do or someone to talk to as they can get boring!  I had 2 a week after 28 weeks or so with my first and it can get uncomfortable sitting there still for so long pregnant!

[chantal21]

Thanks ladies! The test was about 40 min. I just posted a new update.