Twice a week NST

For two weeks or so now I have been going to the hospital in town to have a Fetal Non-Stress test (NST) done twice a week. NST is a non-invasive test performed in pregnancies over 28 weeks gestation. The test is named “non-stress” because no stress is placed on the fetus during the test.

Since I go into the hospital every Tuesday and Friday after work, I've been getting to know the nurses very well (too bad I won't be delivering there). When I arrive I try to peak around to see if any new babies have arrived. I just love newborns! The nurses weigh me (YUK) and then take me to a delivery room where they attach two belts to my abdomen. One to measure fetal heart rate and another to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes, however, it's been taking longer since my baby moves a lot and its hard to get a full 20-30 minutes of constant heart rate. Last Friday I was there for 2 1/2 hours because they did an ultrasound in addition to the NST to check my amniotic fluid level. I was getting impatient and wanting out of there....can only imagine how bad it's going to be when I'm actually having AJ and having to be in the hospital with him for a very long time. Good news is my fluid level and NSTs have been great.

I am getting eager to start maternity leave. As I push week 32, I am noticing my energy level has dropped. I love to cook, however, I haven't even desired to do that lately. I also wonder if it's depression because I am not having a typical pregnancy. Usually at this time in a pregnancy, one would be decorating the nursery, picking out strollers, etc. I am doing some of that but there is so much more focus on the CDH that it's hard to maintain the "normal" excitement.


AJ 34 Weeks