acoustic stimulation

[10cm]

Fellow wonders of the nursing profession,

What experiences have you had with acoustic stimulation? Are you using it often? What are your criteria for use?

[Jemma]

We use acoustic stim during NST's. Policy says 2 stims at least 1 minute apart. Also used occassionally during labor to induce an acceleration if unsure of sleepy baby vs. nonreassuring strip.

[MickeymomRN]

I don't use it often. I'll use it only if I've tried everything else to "wake" the baby. Usually I'm successful with the other ways. Once, I used AS and sent a nonreassuring baby to late decels. Not pretty to explain to the doc. I don't remember exactly what the outcome was but it was nerve racking. I'm sure the baby did well b/c I'll still use it if I need to.

[rdhdnrs]

Our docs say this doesn't work, but in my experience it does: if I've got a nonreactive nst, I'll give mom some juice first. Lots of time the sugar wakes that baby right up.

[Angel Baby]

I agree with Jemma--it's a very useful tool to validate fetal well-being. If you get a deceleration with acoustic stim then you have identified a true problem and early, appropriate treatment will not be delayed.

[mother/babyRN, RN]

We have one doc who uses it, and I have seen it work well with NSTs.....Not sure if we are supposed to be doing it independently but am currently checking that one out....

[rnoflabor2000]

Most of us try the juice thing first. Less disruptive to the fetus. If that doesn't work and the baby's been "asleep" for 30 mins., we use the AS.