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NST at Home?

post #1 of 4
Thread Starter 

Anyone ever have one done at home?


As of last week, I have my next 4 HB MW appointments scheduled (we usually schedule them one by one). They are at 38w6d, 39w5d, 40w3d and 41w3d. My MW mentioned that the last one, at 41w3d (if necessary, of course), would involve an NST with both MWs in attendance.


I couldn't quite remember what that entailed, but it looks like the usual hospital procedure is a CEFM strip, looking at baby's heart rate when resting and when active, and comparing the two. Also something about measuring contractions (what if you aren't having them)? Looks like the NST often comes with a side of BPP, which seems to involve U/S measurements of whatnot and fluid, etc.


But... I definitely got the impression that this would be done at home. So, no U/S, of course. And I'd think no CEFM-- I doubt they own one. I'm guessing something like checking a couple times when baby is resting and moving, with doppler, or maybe they'll accommodate me (as they always do at normal checks) by listening with a fetoscope. I can't imagine them "measuring contractions," even if I'm having them?


So... do you think she meant I would be sent to the hospital? Or will it be some modified NST? Or...? Of course, I'll ask when I see my other MW on Thursday, but just wondering now... I searched the web and MDC for homebirth and NSTs, but mostly found people planning HBs being sent to the hospital, and those mostly had "backup" hospital CNMs and OBs, which I don't.


I'd really rather not go to the hospital for anything... although I might consent, depending. I will actually be 41w3d on that day, but for sort of political reasons, kind of justifiable by the math, I will be "officially" exactly 41 weeks... and yet, by LMP, I will be exactly 42 weeks. So, an NST seems really reasonable at that point, but I'd just rather stay at home for it, if possible.


Anyone have any form of an NST done at home? Or hear of it being done at home?


I know I might not make it to that appointment, but being a FTM, I figure there's something like a 25-50% chance I will go at least that long.

post #2 of 4

My previous hb mw had a miniature machine that would print the strips and also an us machine at her home office, sothe NST/BPP were done at her home, like the rest of our appointments. This time, if I need it, my mw doesn't have that equipment so she said we'd go together to the local FSBC and use their equipment. I have no idea how they would do it at your home though. HTH

post #3 of 4
Thread Starter 

Ah, I can imagine a portable "miniature machine" maybe, though I am certain they do not have access to an u/s.  Hmmmm...

post #4 of 4
Thread Starter 

Just FYI...  My MW said they will just hold a doppler on me for up to 15-20 minutes and are looking for 3 accelerations of 15+ seconds.  She said that using a fetoscope would be impractical, because they "all" (the 2 MWs and 1 assistant) need to hear and agree on those accelerations.  So, I'm not thrilled or anything, but okay with it.  They would do one every 3-4 days after that.  Given that I will be 41w3d on the date of the first NST (and actually exactly 42 weeks based on LMP), I am hopeful I'll go into labor before then, anyway.  I don't mind going significantly past my EDD in general, but I'd rather avoid the NST-- I mean, not a big deal, but in my perfect world, I wouldn't have to have one.    
