Non Stress Test

If you are pregnant you may have heard of this particular test that is performed to gauge the baby’s movements, and heart rate. In addition the test, called a Non Stress Test (NST) places absolutely no stress is given to the fetus at all. Ordinarily the Non Stress Test is performed after the fetus is over 28 weeks old.

The Doctor is not only looking for movement, but also the fetus’ change of heart rate in relation to the movement. When a fetus moves around in the womb, it is an exertion of the body, and thus the heart rate should go up correspondingly.

The Non Stress Test is totally noninvasive, thus there is no risk involved for neither the mother nor the baby. Interestingly enough though, if the baby is asleep at the time of the test, the Doctor may use a buzzer against your stomach to waken the baby.

The test will be given to the fetus if there is something the Doctor suspects is causing the baby to not move very much in the womb. For instance if the Doctor believes that the placenta may not be functioning properly, or if there are any signs of fetal distress at all, such as the fetus receiving too little oxygen caused by perhaps placenta or umbilical cord problems, then you will receive a Non Stress Test. Or you may be given the test if you have certain medical conditions that may present a risk to your pregnancy, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and such.

The test will take about a half an hour to an hour including the time for preparation. Preparation is quite simple; a belt is attached to your abdomen whose job it is to measure the fetal heart rate. A second belt will measure any contractions.

The test will come out as either reactive or non-reactive. Reactive is the result that parents desire, along with the Doctor. That means that the baby’s heart is reacting to the movement that the baby is making. A non-reactive test result to the Non Stress Test means that additional testing is likely which will then pinpoint the reason for a non-reactive result. A number of reasons exist, not all of them related to poor oxygenation. For instance, it may be the result of the baby’s sleep patterns, or perhaps the reaction to certain maternal prescriptions. Or it may even be related to non-prescription drugs that the mother may have taken.

The point is, of course, that the Non Stress Test will report on your baby’s well-being all while in the womb. It will also pinpoint any problems that the baby may be experiencing, and if they are grave enough, then labor will be induced in order to give birth to a healthy baby.

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Non Stress Test

baby non stress test

Non Stress Test

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