Non Stress Test (NST)

In singleton pregnancies, NST is not necessarily a prenatal requirement...often given only if a mother has carried the baby beyond the projected due date or if there are other factors that warrant a check on the baby's status or stress level in the utero. As for twin expectant moms, NST are given as a facet of routinely prescribed prenatal care. I had my first NST done today at the doctor's office and my babies are doing fine. Have to provide two set of readings because the first doesn't show much responses from the babies (think they are sleeping). Well, NST is quite similar to ultrasounds, i.e., I have to lie down on the exam table and monitors were placed strategically on my abdomen to monitor the harmonious fetal heartbeats (each baby gets a monitor). A third monitor was use to trace any contractions during the test. At first, the nurse actually used an audible stimulus to get a movement response from my twins. After that, my girls needed no supplemental stimuli to respond appropriately. Sometimes, sugary beverage is given to kick the twins into action. Because I am having gestational diabetes, the second method was not my option. As for me, I was given a small device to press when I sense the babies are moving.

My prenatal visit will be once a week from now onward. Each visit will have a NST test. Not sure when they will do an ultrasound on me again but I'm sure that there will be at least one more if my pregnancy can still last for a few more weeks. Had the routine blood pressure and urine test today and my weight today is 125lbs!!!That's a 2 pounds increased since yesterday.....so in total, I've gained 30 lbs! Good job mommy!