Nonstress test?

[cinnyshell]

Who has had a nonstress test? What should I expect? I have to go have one on friday.

[Kathy2015]

I've had 2 per week since week 32. They take about 20 minutes if baby does what they want. Which is establish a baseline heartbeat (mine was 135) and then raise their heart rate by 15 bpm for 15 seconds.

[cinnyshell]

Im guessing it is. I have to get one every week since being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. How long do they typically last?

[siriuslydi]

Is it normal to have so many of these? I'm going to get one next time I go in for my monthly checkup - but I didn't realize they'd have me come back regularly for them. I'm 39 and 26w 5d.

[cinnyshell]

I figured I would enjoy them :) thanks all!

[Kathy2015]

I routinely fall asleep also. They don't mind either. Im 39 weeks on Friday and I have been going twice a week since 32 weeks. This Friday will be my last one and I've developed such a great relationship with my nurses. I will truly miss them. Im thinking of stopping for flowers for them.

[purplehaze07]

You'll love it! It's very soothing listening to your baby's heartbeat. I thoroughly enjoyed the NSTs. I'd fall asleep half way through. lol Just music to my ears! :)

[cinnyshell]

Good advice. Will do :)

[Liane88930]

I have two a week. I suggest you have a good snack about half an hour before your NSTs to help baby's activity level.

[cinnyshell]

Thank you.  Looking like I'll have them weekly as well

[Free_me_please]

Completely painless test where you sit with a monitor that records movement/contractions and another monitor that records the baby's heartbeat. They're looking for heartbeat acceleration with movement. And they want so many accelerations in a 20 minute time. This indicates that there is no problem with oxygenation to the baby and normal neurological development. I am over 40 so they did weekly NSTtests my last 3 wks. Good luck.