Advice - Non-reactive NST (Non Stress Test) - Should I be Worried?

[KC1993]

Hi,

This is my first post, and I'm just looking for reassurance and/or someone that has been through something similar and their experience.

I am currently 35 weeks pregnant, and this is my first pregnancy. I noticed a decrease in movements for the last 2/3 days so this morning I rang triage to see what they suggested. They asked me to come in so i went straight away this morning.

At first they did the standard tests I was expecting, blood pressure, urine, and baby's heartbeat - which were all fine. Then they hooked me up to a heartbeat machine which they called "Non-Stress Test" or "NST" where they measure the baby's heart rate and response to movement to ensure baby is doing well and getting enough oxygen.

I had to do two tests and both came back "non-reactive" (reactive would mean no cause for concern) - so they've asked me to come back again tomorrow for another test.

I'm super worried, the baby was actually moving more than they have been in the last few days when I was sitting being monitored (typical) but I'm still just so worried and I try not to look too much up on Google as that can do more harm than good! I often see posts on here and they're often very reassuring.

If anyone else has had the same test or been through something similar what their experience was may help put me at ease.

Thank you in advance
P/S sorry for the super long post.

It’s really common to have an episode of decreased movements - you have done the right thing by checking it out. Is your baby moving normally now? If not, then you should call back. If back to normal most likely everything is fine - are you measuring normally? Have they organised a scan for you?

Meant to say - common to have an episode of decreased movements and for everything to still be absolutely fine! Only rarely does it mean there is something to worry about. But if you are having repeated episodes of decreased movements, or no movements at all, it’s important that things get checked properly. The NST being “non reactive” usually means that the baby wasn’t moving at the time of the monitoring, but doesn’t always mean something bad - it’s not an exact test. Next step if they still have concerns is usually ultrasound to check baby’s growth and doppler blood flow measurements.

Hi, thank you so much for your reply. Sorry I’ve only just seen it as the email notification went to my junk. I went back the next day For the same monitoring and everything passed thankfully!! I didn’t need any further tests or scans. The movements are back to being consistent however, they’ve changed in the sense that it’s not so much a “kick” all the time but now it’s actual limbs and twists which sometimes poke right out!
Again, thanks for your reply, means a lot.

That’s good - enjoy the rest of your pregnancy :)