NST testing necessary?

Question

I tested AFP + and no down's syndrome markers were found on ultrasound. I declined an amnio. I am 30 weeks pg and have to go twice a week for non stress testing. This is very time consuming and way out of my budget since I'm paying for lousy health insurance. How necessary is it to continue non stress testing?

Answer 1

NST, IT DETERMINES IF THE BABY IS MOVING LIKE IT SHOULD, BABY'S HEART RATE AND IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY CONTRACTIONS. BASICALLY TO CHECK IF THE BABY IS IN ANY DISTRESS.MOST DOCTORS USE THE MACHINE TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS OK WITH THE BABY. IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO HAVE THIS DONE AND I KNOW HOW COSTLY IT CAN BE, I USED TO WORK FOR AN OB/GYN. SO IF I WERE YOU I WOULD TALK TO MY DOCTOR AND ASK HIM/HER WHY THE TESTING IS BEING SO OFTEN AND IS THERE SOMETHING TO BE ALARMED ABOUT, IF NOT. ASK IF YOU CAN DO A KICK COUNT INSTEAD OF THE NST SINCE IT IS LESS COSTLY.OVERALL THIS IS YOUR DECISION.

Answer 2

The non-stress test shows that the baby is healthy enough for the pregnancy to continue until the next test. Sometimes the non stress test will indicate that the baby is in some sort of distress, and then labor will be induced. I had to go for non stress tests three times a week during my first pregnancy, and do kick counts three times a day. I had my baby by c-section at 36 weeks. During my second pregnancy, I had blood pressure issues again, but the doctor didn't send me for the non stress tests...it was actually a little more nerve-wracking not having them, but everything came out fine ( c-section at 37 weeks 3 days).



If you're having trouble paying for your medical care, call the medicaid office in your state and see if you might qualify for medicaid because of spend-down (basically you spend so much on medical care each month that your income after paying for medical care is below the poverty level) or if they have a program to help pay your health insurance premiums.

Answer 3

It depends on what the reasons for the NST are. For myself, its very nesicary as it will be an indicator of when to be induced, I have a high risk pregnancy.



Generally they don't advise them that often if there is no cause for concern. Its shows baby's general health: heart beat, movement, nerve functions....



I wouldn't go without it if it had been recommended.



If it is costly, ask if you can do regular fetal movement counts instead and only do NST once a week perhaps?! But still go!

Answer 4

You have to spend lots of extra money and time to make sure your baby is alive and well? Welcome to motherhood. That's what you'll be doing for years to come, so get used to it!